As anticipation builds for the high-stakes five-match Take a look at collection between India and England, former England captain Kevin Pietersen has turned the highlight on two Indian batters, calling them “two gems” for his or her dedication and type forward of the tour. With the collection set to begin on June 20, marking the beginning of a brand new World Take a look at Championship cycle, Pietersen’s reward provides an intriguing narrative to the competition between the Males in Blue and the Three Lions.
Kevin Pietersen hails Indian batting duo as ‘Two Gems’
Pietersen took to social media and displayed his admiration for Karun Nair and KL Rahul. His endorsement of Nair and Rahul carries weight, not simply due to his stature as one in all England’s best batters, but additionally as a result of his firsthand expertise working with the duo.
On social media platform X, Pietersen expressed his approbation, stating, “Karun will get a 100 yesterday and KL has requested BCCI to journey early to UK to get additional apply in earlier than Assessments – 2 gems!”. He highlighted their professionalism and starvation, qualities that set them aside within the lead-up to a difficult abroad collection.
Nair’s skill to grab his second likelihood and Rahul’s proactive method to readiness exemplify the mindset required to succeed on the highest stage. Their type and focus may show pivotal for India as they goal to start out the brand new WTC cycle on a robust be aware towards a formidable England aspect on their house turf.
Karun will get a 100 yesterday and KL has requested BCCI to journey early to UK to get additional apply in earlier than Assessments – 2 gems! 🩵
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) Could 31, 2025
Additionally READ: Followers erupt as Karun Nair slams majestic double century on Day 2 of the primary unofficial Take a look at – England Lions vs India A
A story of redemption and resurgence
Nair’s cricketing journey is one in all perseverance and resurgence. After being sidelined from the Indian Take a look at squad for eight years, the 33-year-old right-hander compelled his means again into competition with a stellar home season. Nair piled up runs for Vidarbha in each the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy, demonstrating his starvation and consistency. His recall to the India A squad was swiftly justified when he hammered a commanding double-century (204) towards the England Lions within the first unofficial Take a look at, propelling India A to a mammoth first-innings whole of 557. This knock not solely reaffirmed his class but additionally strengthened his declare for a spot in India’s enjoying XI for the primary collection.
Rahul, in the meantime, has cemented his spot within the Take a look at aspect with a string of strong performances, most notably within the current Border-Gavaskar collection towards Australia. Not content material to relaxation, Rahul has reportedly requested the BCCI to permit him to play within the second unofficial Take a look at towards the England Lions, looking for beneficial match apply in English situations earlier than the marquee collection begins. Pietersen, who mentored each gamers throughout IPL 2025 with the Delhi Capitals, lauded their dedication, noting how they’ve prioritized red-ball cricket instantly after a demanding T20 season.
Additionally READ: Karun Nair reacts after being named in India’s Take a look at squad for the England tour