“I want to see my buddy play” - Kevin Pietersen backs Indian star player to be a part of the XI for 3rd Test vs England

Former England cricketer and commentator Kevin Pietersen has vouched for the Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the playing XI for the third Test against England at Lord’s in London, starting on Thursday, July 10.

Notably, India, led by Shubman Gill, started off the England tour with a five-wicket defeat in Leeds to initiate the series on a worrying note. However, they made a strong comeback in the second Test to defeat England by 336 runs to level the series 1-1.

Kevin Pietersen, who attended a charity event hosted by Yuvraj Singh’s foundation, YouWeCan, has asserted that he had a chance to mentor Kuldeep Yadav during his time with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. 

KP further reckoned that he had discussed bowling tactics with Kuldeep during his stint, adding that it would be great to see him play on English soil. Furthermore, he stated that Kuldeep loves bowling and taking wickets.

"They need to play him (Kuldeep Yadav). India lost a Test match, won a Test match and I think they are missing some sort of variation. I think they are missing variation," Pietersen told the Times of India on the sidelines of the "YouWeCan Charity Gala” in London.

"I sat with him a couple of times when I was mentor with the Delhi Capitals, and I discussed bowling in England with him. I discussed tactics. I had a lot of chat on how to bowl and where to bowl. We spent a lot of time together and it will just be nice to see him play. It would be lovely to see him play. He loves bowling, he loves taking wickets. And I want to see my buddy play. I don't like my buddies on the bench," he added.

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