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As the cricketing world tuned in to witness the gripping second Test between India and England in Vizag, a lighthearted banter between former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen and ex-Indian pacer Zaheer Khan stole the spotlight. The exchange of words began when Jio Cinema anchor Anant Tyagi teased Pietersen about the possibility of him being MS Dhoni‘s first Test wicket if the Decision Review System (DRS) wasn’t in place.
The background of MS Dhoni and Kevin Pietersen saga
The history behind this banter traces back to a Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground in 2011, where Dhoni bowled in place of the injured Zaheer. With Rahul Dravid taking over wicketkeeping duties, Dhoni’s bowling troubled Pietersen, resulting in a contentious LBW decision. Despite a huge appeal by the Indian side, the umpire dismissed the call. In the same over, there was also an appeal for a caught behind, but Pietersen’s immediate call for DRS saved him, with replays showing no edge.
Pietersen’s jibe at Dhoni
During the lunch break on Day 4 of the India-England second Test, Anant playfully reminded Pietersen of the DRS save, suggesting that it prevented him from becoming Dhoni’s first Test wicket. Responding with his trademark wit, Pietersen quipped, “You know something is there in my pocket, Oh, it’s MS Dhoni.”
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Zaheer Khan’s strong counter
Amidst laughter, Zaheer, also part of the broadcasting team, swiftly responded to Pietersen’s remark by recalling a recent statement from Yuvraj Singh.
“I remember Yuvraj Singh saying something similar a few days back. Yuvraj said that Kevin Pietersen was in his pocket,” Zaheer playfully retorted.
Pietersen acknowledges the beauty of sport
As the banter concluded, Pietersen emphasized the beauty of sports, where such lighthearted exchanges are part and parcel of the game. He acknowledged that they often make fun of each other, but no one takes offence.
