 "Kevin Pietersen criticsed England cricket team for willfully missing practice sessions during ODI series loss to India. Images: Kevin Pietersen on X/AP")
Kevin Pietersen has accused the England cricket team of “disrespecting” India as they skipped multiple practice sessions during their 3-0 ODI series loss to Men in Blue . Pietersen also added that none of the England players barring Joe Root would leave India thinking they “did everything they can to try help England win”.
Pietersen’s damning comments came after former India coach Ravi Shastri opened the pandora’s box during his commentary in the third ODI on Wednesday. Having already lost the first two ODIs, England had hoped for some consolation in the final match of the series at the Narendra Modi Stadium, but after another dispirited performance, suffered a chastening 142-run defeat .
While analyzing England’s struggles, Shastri, on the air, spoke about their lack of practice during the series. “From what I’ve heard, England have had just one net session this entire trip, if not any. If you’re not prepared to do the hard yards, you’re not going to improve,” Shastri said on commentary.
Pietersen slams England cricket team players
Pietersen spoke in detail about the issue in his post-match analysis on Disney+ Hotstar. He shared that only Root had a nets session after the first ODI in Nagpur.
“Ravi Shastri and I were talking upstairs that these guys would’ve at least practiced in last week or so. They’ve had one practice session, the day before the Nagpur game, they haven’t practiced since. There’s only one batter – Joe Root – who had a net. I’m sorry, but you can’t come into the subcontinent, keep making the same mistakes, and then decide I’m not going to practice,” said Pietersen.
“There’s not a single sportsman, man or woman, who goes into a series and decides I’m going to get better without practice. I’m sorry, I’m just so so sorry. I was flabbergasted when I heard that England have not practiced since the first game. Absolutely flabbergasted.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPietersen also said England players not taking part in practice sessions during the ODI series was akin to disrespecting Indian conditions and India.
“No, really. I’m gutted that I’ve to say that you disrespect Indian conditions and India so much. I’m absolutely gutted from an Englishman’s point of view,” said Pietersen.
‘Heartbreaking for any England fan’
Pietersen later took to X to share more of his thoughts as he continued his attack on England batters
“I’m sorry, but I am absolutely gobsmacked that England did not have ONE team practice session since losing the 1st ODI and losing the T20 series. How can this be? Seriously, how?
“I believe Joe Root was the only player to have a net this series, post Nagpur. There isn’t a single sportsman on this planet who can honestly say, that they’d improve without practicing whilst they’re getting beaten. There also cannot be one player in that England side that can sit on the plane leaving India and saying to themselves, they did everything they can to try help England win.
“And for that, I’m am actually incredibly sad this evening. Losing is fine if you’re giving your best to improve everyday and if England didn’t train during this series then they didn’t try. Heartbreaking for any England fan!”