Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has voiced concerns over the quality of Pakistan cricket following their heavy defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. Pakistan suffered a humiliating 10-wicket loss, marking their first-ever ??defeat to Bangladesh at home, raising eyebrows about the state of the national team.

Questionable selection and strategy backfire

The loss was particularly jarring due to Pakistan’s strategic missteps, including the decision to field an all-pace attack, which many viewed as a critical error. After posting a solid 448/6 in their first innings, Pakistan allowed Bangladesh to amass 565 runs, largely due to a brilliant 191 from Mushfiqur Rahim. With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Pakistan’s batting collapsed in the second innings, managing only 146 runs. Bangladesh then chased ??down the modest target of 30 runs in just 6.3 overs, sealing a historic victory.

Also READ: Ahmad Shahzad blames PCB for Pakistan’s embarras?sing 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test

Kevin Pietersen’s critique of Pakistan’s declining standards

Pietersen took to social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment with Pakistan’s performance. He recalled his time playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he encountered top-quality cricket and highly motivated players. The former cricketer questioned the apparent decline in Pakistan’s cricketing standards, particularly given the PSL’s past reputation for nurturing talent. Pietersen has represented the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL from 2016 to 2018 across 27 matches.

In his post, Pietersen wrote, “What has happened to cricket in Pakistan? When I played in the PSL, the standard was outstanding, the players were dedicated, and the young talent was exceptional. I’m baffled by how things have changed,”

What happened to cricket in Pakistan? When I played the PSL, the standard of th??at league was tremendous, the players had a very good work ethic and the youngsters on display were magic.

What’s happening there?

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) August 26, 2024

Series decider against Bangladesh

The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin on August 30, again in Rawalpindi. Originally planned to be held in Karachi, the venue was shifted due to ongoing construction at the Karachi stadium in preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025. As Pakistan looks to salvage some pride, the pressure on?? the team and management?? has never been greater.

Also READ: ‘Aapne pi?chle 5 sa?alon se kuch nahi seekha�? Kamran Akmal lashes out at Pakistan following 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh

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The cricketing world was sent into a frenzy when renowned commentator David Lloyd made a startling comparison between a young English batter and the legendary Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist. Lloyd made these remarks after the conclusion of the third and final Test between England and West Indies in Birmingham. Notably, the young Englishman’s electrifying performance in the final Test has undoubtedly turned heads, but does he truly possess the same explosive qualities as the former Aussie powerhouse?

The Meteoric rise

The player that Lloyd talked about was Jamie Smith,? who has certainly caught the eye of many with his aggressive batting style and ability to dismantle bowling attacks. His innings of 95 in the third Test against West Indies, where he showcased a wide array of strokes and a fearless approach, was reminiscent of the way Gilchrist used to dominate bowlers. Lloyd, known for his astute observations, was quick to draw the parallel, suggesting that Smith could be the next big thing in English cricket.

David Lloyd draws comparisons with Adam Gilchrist

Lloyd expressed his admiration for Smith after watching him play for the first time. Despite hearing positive feedback from trusted sources, Lloyd’s firsthand experience exceeded his expectations, drawing comparisons to the excitement he felt during Kevin Pietersen‘s era. Lloyd believes Smith has the potential for a long and impactful career, capable of dominating matches similarly to how Gilchrist did.

“I’ve heard a lot about Jamie Smith from some very knowledgeable people, but this weekend was the first time seeing him in the flesh. Wow, and double wow. I haven’t been on the edge of my seat like that since the days of Kevin Pietersen. Smith is going to be around a very long time. He’s going to take games away from the opposition. Shades of Adam Gilchrist,” Lloyd wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

Also READ: Mark Woo?d, Ben ?Stokes propel England to a 3-0 series sweep with dominant 10-wicket win against West Indies at Edgbaston

Similarities and differences

While Smith’s batting style bears some resemblance to Gilchrist’s, it’s important to note that they are different players in different eras. Cricket has evolved significantly since Gilchrist’s heyday, and the challenges faced by batsmen today are different. Moreover, Gilchrist was also an exceptional wicket-keeper, a facet that Smith is yet to fully establish himself in.

Not to mention, Gilchrist was more than just a wicket-keeper; he was a match-winner with the bat. His explosive starts, ability to clear the boundary with eas?e, and his knack for turning the game on its head made him a formidable for?ce. His impact on the game was immense, and any comparison to him is undoubtedly a huge compliment.

Also READ: Here is why Zimbab?we will receive a ‘fee�?for their tour of England in ??2025 for the one-off Test

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The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 is an exciting T20 tournament featuring some of the biggest names in cricket history. This event, approved by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), is set to start on Wednesday (July 3) and will conclude on Saturday (July 13). It promises to bring back the glory of the game’s legends, captivating cricket fans worldwide.

Participating teams and iconic players

Six teams are set to compete in this highly anticipated tournament: India Champions, England Champions, South Africa Champions, West Indies Champions, Australia Champions and Pakistan Champions.

The rosters boast former international cricket stars like Suresh Raina, Dale Steyn, Harbhajan Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Kevin Pietersen, Ben Cutting, Shaun Marsh, Imran Tahir, Shahid Afridi, Yuvraj Singh, Aaron Finch and Brett Lee, ensuring high-quality performances a??nd thrilling encounters.

Tournament format and schedule

The WCL will feature 18 matches played over 10 days. The competition will follow a single round-robin format during the league stages, where each team faces the other five teams once. These matches will take place at?? two iconic venues: Edgbaston in Birmingham and County Ground in Northampton. The top four teams from the league stages will advance to the semi-finals on Friday (July 12) with the winners clashing in the final on Saturday (July 13).

Also READ: Lanka?? Premier League 2024: Date, Match Time and Complete Squa??ds of all teams

Fresh retirees and competitive edge

Several players participating in the tournament have recently retired from international cricket and are still in prime form. Their fresh match practice could provide their teams with a competitive edge. With all teams looking strong and well-balanced, WCL promises to be a fiercely fought and highly? entertaining competition.

World Championship of Legends (WPL) 2024 squads:

1. India Champions: Yuvraj Singh (c), Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Path?an, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Gurkeerat Mann, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Rahul Shukla, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Anureet Singh, Pawan Negi

2. Australia Champions: Brett Lee (c), Tim Paine, Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting, Ben Dunk, Dirk Nannes, Dan Christian, Ben Laughlin, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin??, Callum Ferguson, Peter Siddle, Xavier Doherty, Nathan Coulter-Nile, ??John Hastings

3. England Champions: Kevin Pietersen (c), Ravi Bopara, Ian Bell, Samit Patel, Owais Shah, Philip Mustard, Chris Schofield, Sajid Mahmood, Ajmal Shahzad, Usman Afzaal, Ryan Sidebottom, Stephen Parry, Stuart Meaker, Kevin O’Brien

4. West Indies Champions: Daren Sammy (c), Chris Gayle, Samuel Badree, Ravi Rampaul, Kes?rick Williams, Jason Mohammed, Navin Stewart, Dwayne Smith, Ashley Nurse, Sulieman Benn, Chadwick Walton, Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards, Kirk Edwards, Jonathan Carter

5. South Africa Champions: Jacque?s Kallis (c), Herschelle Gibbs, Imran Tahir, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Ashwell Prince, Neil McKenzie, Ryan McLaren, Justin Ontong, Rory Kleinveldt, JP Duminy, Richard Levi, Dane Vilas, Vernon Philander, Charl Langeveldt

6. Pakistan Champions: Younis Khan (c), Misbah Ul Haq, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq,? Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Sohail Tanveer, Sohail Khan, Tanveer Ahmad, Muhammad Hafeez, Aamer Yamin, Shoaib Malik, Sohaib Maqsood, Sharjeel Khan,? Umar Akmal

Also READ: Major League C??ricket (MLC) 2024: Complete squads of all six teams

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Following the final showdown between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Kevin Pietersen and Ambati Rayudu engaged in a lighthearted exchange.

Rayudu, who was rooting for SRH, appeared wearing an orange waistcoat during his broadcasting duties before the match commenced. However, he swiftly changed into a blue waistcoat after KKR convincingly defeated the team led by Pat Cummins by eight wickets to secure the win. Playfully commenting on Rayudu’s quick wardrobe change, Pietersen, who was wearing purple in support of Knight Riders, hilariously referred to the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player as a joker.

“I’ve at least held firm. I wore it, and I owned it (showing his purple clothes). You (Rayudu) are a joker, always a joker,” said Pietersen as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Kevin Pietersen opens up on the trolling of Ambati Rayudu

The video capturing the banter between Pietersen and Rayudu quickly went viral on the internet, eliciting humorous responses from fans. However, some users escalated the friendly banter to a more malicious level, resorting to abusive language and mockery directed towards the former Indian player. One of the primary reasons for this surge in negativity was certain comments made by Rayudu, where he poked fun at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Virat Kohli. Seizing the opportunity presented by this banter, RCB ??fans unleashed a barrage of trolling aimed at the 38-year-old player.

In response to this, Pietersen took to X and vehemently criticized the trolls, urging users to cease their criticism of Rayudu. He referred to the incessant trolling as “Tribalism” and appealed to end it.

“Come on guys! This tribalism with/against Indian players on social media needs to slow down! Example �?Ambati Rayudu and I were messing around after the IPL final and all of sudden that banter has turned into an avalanche of abuse towards Ambati. PLEASE stop it”, Pieterson wrote.

Come on guys!

This tribalism with/agains?t Indian players on social media needs to slow down!

Example – @RayuduAmbati and I were messin?g around after the IPL final and all of sudden that banter has turned into an avalanche of abuse towards Ambati.

PLEASE stop it? 🙏🏽

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 28, 2024

Also READ: Matthew Ha?yden picks his IPL 2024 Team of the Tournament; names Sunil Narine and Travis Head as openers

Rayudu’s performance in IPL

Rayudu announced his retirement from the lucrative league following CSK’s record-equalling fifth title win last season. Throughout his IPL journey, which saw him represent Mumbai Indians (MI) and CSK, the Andhra Prades?h-born play??er amassed 4348 runs in 203 matches, with an average of 28.05 and a strike rate of 127.54.

Also READ: IPL 2024- Do know how many trees will?? be plant??ed by BCCI for every dot-ball bowled in playoffs

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Ambati Rayudu incited a new debate after the India Premier League (IPL) 2024 final when he implied that Virat Kohli‘s exceptional performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is posing a ‘challenge’ for his teammates.

As a member of the Star Sports experts panel, he participated in the conversation with Kevin Pietersen and Matthew Hayden, moderated by Mayanti Langer. Rayudu has consistently voiced criticism of RCB ever since their elimination from the tournament following a loss to the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Ambati Rayudu engages in debate with Kevin Pietersen

Rayudu remarked that Kohli establishes high standards for his teammates, causing them to feel pressured to emulate him. This emulation is detrimental, especially for younger players, and is a contributing factor to their team’s underperformance.

�?em>When you have a stalwart and a legend like Virat Kohli, who has set really high standards, it’s very hard for the youngsters to be in a side like that and try and match that standard because he always wants the team to be performing at his level,�?Rayudu Said on Star Sports.

However, Pietersen opposed Rayudu’s perspective, asserting that it could be beneficial for the youngsters.

�?em>No, it should be good f??or youngsters�?/em>,�?Pietersen replied.

Rayudu stood firm in his stance and responded to Pietersen, emphasizing that young players face occasional burdens and that nobody can replicate Kohli’s prowess in cricket.

�?em>But sometimes the burden of really trying to be Virat Kohli in a sport where you know nobody is going to be like him,�?Rayudu concluded.

Also READ: WATCH: Andre Russell dances with Bollywo?od actress Ananya Panday in KKR’s title winning ?party

Virat Kohli’s performance in Eliminator

Kohl??i performed consistently throughout the season for RCB, scoring 741 runs in 15 matches with an average of 62. However, in the eliminator against RR, the right-handed?? batter only managed to score 33 runs off 24 balls with a strike rate of 138.

Conseq??uently, RCB only reached a ??total of 172/8 in 20 overs, and RR was able to chase down the target quite easily.

Also READ: Kevin Pietersen picks his IPL 2024 Team of the Tournament; names Sunil Na?rine and Virat? Kohli as openers

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Former England cricketer and commentator Kevin Pietersen has revealed his team of the tournament for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Pietersen’s XI features a mix of Indian talent and international stars, including five overseas players, three of whom hail from the West Indies.

Kevin Pietersen’s best XI from IPL 2024

Speaking to Star Sports anchor Mayanti Langer Binny, Pieterson revealed his best XI f?rom the recently-concluded I??PL 2024 season.

Kevin Pietersen’s IPL 2024 team of the tournament: Virat Kohli, Sunil Narine, Rajat Patida??r, Shivam Dube, Heinrich Klaasen, Cameron Green, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah,? T Natarajan

Virat Kohli finished as the leading run-getter of the tournament, securing the Orange Cap for the second time in his IPL career. He amassed 741 runs from 15 matches at an average of 61.75. H??is consistent performances were pivotal for his team.

Sunil Narine showcased his all-round prowess, scoring 488 runs and taking 17 wickets, earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the third time. His contributions were instrumental in helping Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinch their third IPL title.

Also READ: Complete list of MVP?? award winners si?nce IPL 2008 to 2024

Rajat Patidar and Shivam Dube also had impressive seasons, scoring 396 and 396 runs respectively, solidifying their spots in Pietersen’s team.

Heinrich Klaasen enjoyed his best IPL season to date, scoring 479 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 171.07, while Cameron Green made significant contributions with both bat and ball, scoring 255 runs and taking 10 wickets in 13 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Nicholas Pooran set ?the I?PL alight with his explosive batting, finishing the season with 499 runs at a blistering strike rate of 178.21.

Despite not making a significant impact with the bat, Andre Russell was a force with the ball, taking 19 wickets from 14 matches at an ave??rage of ??15.53.

In the bowling department, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had a solid season, claiming 18 wickets in 15 matches. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was a standout performer, taking 20 wickets from 13 matches at an average of 16.80, while T Natarajan of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had a remarkable season ?with 19 wickets from 14 matches at an average of ?24.47.

Also READ: Eoin Morgan reveals his favourite team in the T20 World?? Cup 2024

Pietersen’s selection underscores the blend of experience and emerging talent in this year’s IPL, celebrating the performances that made IPL 2024 a thrilling season.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have booked their place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final after a comprehensive 36-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 on Friday. The final will see SRH facing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at MA Chidambaram S??tadium in Chennai on Sunday (May 26), setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

Previous encounters favour KKR

This season, SRH and KKR have already faced off twice, with KKR emerging victorious on both occasions. The most recent encounter between the two teams occurred in Qualifier 1, where KKR clinched an eight-wicket win in Ahmedabad, earning them a direct path to the final. Earlier in the season, during their first clash, KKR edged o?ut SRH by four runs in a closely contested match. These victories have not only given KKR a psychological edge but have also highlighted their consistency and tactical superiority.

Kevin Pietersen’s prediction

As anticipation builds for the title match, former England batter Kevin Pietersen has weighed in with his prediction, backing KKR to win the championship. Speaking to Star Sports cricket live, Pietersen cited KKR’s formidable spin attack and their recent record against SRH as key factors that give them an advantage. He emphasized that KKR’s spinners have been instrumental throughout the season, often turning matches in their favor with their skill and precision.

” I didn’t like the way the Sunrisers threw in the towel the other evening in Ahmedabad, and I think it’s going to put them on the back foot for the start on Sunday. The way they just finished that game off, Pat Cummins gave Travis Head the ball, and Shreyas Iyer just went bang, bang, bang,” Pietersen said.

Also READ: IPL 2024 Final, KKR vs SRH: Probable ?Playing XI, Match Preview, Head to Head Record | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyd?erabad

Spin attack and positive mindset

Pietersen believed that for SRH to overcome KKR in the final, the Pat Cummins-led s?id??e will need to deliver an extraordinary performance.

“It’ll give KKR a lot of confidence going into the finals knowing that they’ve already beaten SRH a couple of days ago. So it’s going to be hard for the Sunrisers to get up, but I think they will because they won the SA20, so they know how to win,” the 43-year-old added.

However, Pietersen also pointed out that KKR’s positive mindset and all-round firepower make them slight favorites. He praised KKR’s ability to maintain a strong, cohesive unit under pressure, which has been a hallmark of their campaign this season. He highlighted the importance of the toss, suggesting that it could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.

“The toss is 50-50. I think that you have to consider the possibility of dew and also be prepared if it doesn’t come. It’s all about the mindset and confidence coming into this fixture. That’s where I think KKR have an advantage, given the way they’ve played, their convincing win in qualifier one, and their preparation over the last three or four days,” Pietersen concluded.

Also READ: KKR or SRH? Aussie legend Matthew Hayden picks the winner of IPL 2??024

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Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has recently urged  Virat Kohli, the legendary player of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), to contemplate a move to a different franchise in his pursuit of claiming his elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) title.

RCB’s IPL 2024 exit: Virat Kohli’s search for elusive title continues

Pietersen’s call comes after RCB’s defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2024 Eliminator, marking the 17th season since the league’s inception that RCB has failed to clinch the championship. Despite Kohli’s exceptional performance throughout the season, including leading the run-scoring charts with 741 runs, RCB fell short of their ultimate goal once again.

Kohli massed 741 runs from 15 T20s, his second best outing in the IPL after 2016 when he scored a record 973 runs but still couldn’t take RCB to the title. Kohli got off to a terrific start in the Eliminator but was dismissed by former RCB spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for 33 off 24 deliveries. After Kohli’s departure, RCB could only muster 172/8 in their 20 overs and RR completed the chase in 19 overs and won the high-stakes battle by four wickets.

Also READ: IPL 2024 Team of the tournament: Best playin?g XI ft. Vir??at Kohli and Andre Russell

Kevin Pietersen’s plea

In the aftermath of RCB’s exit from IPL 2024, Pietersen has advocated for Kohli to contemplate a change of scenery in pursuit of his maiden IPL title. Pietersen drew parallels with iconic footballers like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who departed their childhood clubs in search of success elsewhere. Pietersen specifically suggested that Kohli consider a move to the Delhi Capitals (DC), citing his roots in the city.

“I have said it before and I will say it again — the greats of the game in other sports, have left teams to go and seek glory somewhere else. When he has tried and tried so hard — won the Orange Cap yet again and done so much yet again and the franchise fails again. I understand for the brand of the team and the commercial value he brings to the team… But Virat Kohli deserves a trophy. He deserves to play in a team that could help him to get that trophy,” Pietersen? was quoted as say?ing by the Times of India.

“I actually think it should be Delhi. Delhi is the place where Virat needs to go. Virat can go away, and stay at home most of the time, I know he has a home in Delhi. He has a young family. He can spend more time there. He is a Delhi boy. Why can’t he go back? Delhi are as desperate as Bengaluru. I think it’s about time Virat thought long and hard. Beckham left, Ronaldo left, Messi left, Harry Kane just left Spurs and went to Bayern Munich,” the 43-year-old concluded.

Kohli’s IPL legacy with RCB

Kohli’s association with the RCB franchise dates back to the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, and he assumed leadership duties in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Kohli has been an epitome of loyalty, having played all IPL seasons for RCB, captaining the side in 140 matches. Despite his prolific individual records, including being the IPL’s highest run-scorer with 8004 runs, Kohli’s quest for the elusive IPL trophy with RCB remains unfulfilled.

Also READ: Virat Kohli or Sachin Tendulka??r? Eng?land’s David Lloyd gives his final verdict

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Kevin Pietersen, the ex-England cricketer, playfully concurred with Gautam Gambhir‘s recent playful jabs at his leadership skills. Pietersen humorously embraced Gambhir’s comments on social media, acknowledging his past shortcomings at the helm. This banter sparked from Gambhir’s retort to Pietersen and AB de Villiers‘ critique of all-rounder Hardik Pandya‘s stint as captain during the lacklustre Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for the Mumbai Indians (MI).

Gautam Gambhir criticizes Kevin Pietersen

Pandya came under heavy scrutiny for his leadership during MI’s turbulent tournament journey. Pietersen and de Villiers were among the critics who doubted Pandya’s leadership skills. Nonetheless, Gambhir swiftly retaliated, pointing out their own mediocre track records as captains and challenging their right to pass judgment on Pandya.

“It’s not importa??nt what experts are saying, it’s their job to say something or the other. My opinion has always been that you judge someone’s captaincy by his team’s performance. If MI had performed well (this year), all experts would have been praising him. Today MI have not performed well and that’s why everyo?ne is talking about it,�?/em> Gambhir said on Sportskeeda.