Kevin Pietersen slams England players over lack of practice in India

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen launched a scathing attack on the England cricket team after their dismal 3-0 ODI series loss to India, expressing shock over their lack of preparation. Pietersen’s criticism stemmed from a revelation by former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who claimed that England players participated in only one net session throughout the series.

India dominated the series, sealing a resounding 142-run victory in the final ODI in Ahmedabad. However, Shastri’s comment about England’s lack of practice sparked widespread debate. "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 remarked.

Reacting strongly to the claim, Pietersen expressed his disappointment and disbelief at England’s lack of commitment. Speaking on Disney+ Hotstar, he criticized the players for failing to put in the necessary effort.

"Ravi Shastri and I were talking upstairs that these guys would've at least practiced in the 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," Pietersen stated.

Kevin Pietersen calls out England’s attitude

The former England skipper was particularly upset about the players seemingly prioritizing leisure over practice, taking a dig at their focus on golf rather than improving their game.

"I get it, enjoy yourself. These are the best times of your life. Play golf, have the best of your time. Really enjoy playing for England. But by crikey, you get paid to score runs. You get paid to win games of cricket. You don't get paid to play golf. This isn't a golf tour, this is a cricket tour," he added.

Pietersen further emphasized that no player, apart from Joe Root, could claim to have given their best for England.

"You practice so that you leave on the flight tomorrow, knowing that I've given my absolute everything to win a game of cricket for England. There isn't one person in that England dressing room that can get on the plane tomorrow – maybe Joe Root is one because he practiced – but there's no one English player that gets on the plane tomorrow and say they gave their best to win for England. And that, for me, is sad," he remarked.

The former England batsman also reacted to earlier comments made by Harry Brook about air quality affecting his vision during the T20I series in Kolkata. Pietersen was furious at what he perceived as continued disregard for Indian conditions.

"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," Pietersen concluded.

With England’s lackluster performance and apparent lack of preparation raising questions, Pietersen’s remarks highlight deeper concerns about the team's attitude and approach to playing in subcontinental conditions.

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