"Achieve half of what Virat Kohli has.."- Kevin Pietersen shuts down Virat Kohli's critics with classic statement

Cricketer-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen has hailed Virat Kohli and targeted his critics with a classic statement. Kevin Pietersen had also supported Virat Kohli after he pulled out of India vs England Test series. Virat Kohli is expected to miss a large part of the IND vs ENG Test series due to personal reasons.

The Indian batting legend is expecting his second child and therefore, he opted out of the IND vs ENG Test series. It is unclear whether Virat Kohli will return to the series in forthcoming games. Kohli last played in IND vs AFG T20I series last month.

India vs England Test series 2024 will continue till the second week of March 2024, when both sides will collide in the 5th and final Test. Notably, Team India will only face England ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Indian players will be busy with IPL 2024 from March end to May.

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Many will wish that they could have achieved half what Virat Kohli has achieved: Kevin Pietersen

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen is part of the commentators’ panel in the ongoing IND vs ENG Test series. Speaking on Jio Cinema, the former right-handed batter shut down Virat Kohli’s critics with a classic statement. Pietersen said that many would wish to achieve half of what Kohli has achieved in the game of cricket.

“What Virat Kohli has achieved in the game, many will wish that they could have achieved half what Virat has achieved in the game of cricket”, the England stalwart said.

Earlier, when many critics and fans targeted Virat Kohli for opting out of the first two IND vs ENG Tests, Kevin Pietersen backed him with a tweet on X. Pietersen wrote, “ “If a sportsman pulls out for personal reasons, RESPECT IT! End of!”.

Also Read: Rachin Ravindra breaks 25-year-old record for New Zealand after marvelous double ton vs South Africa

England aim to chase 399 in 2nd Test

Meanwhile, India vs England 2nd Test in Vizag has entered an interesting mode on Day 4, with England chasing a mammoth 399-run target in the match. Despite a good start, England has lost 6 wickets for 194 till lunch.

Opener Zak Crawley stormed a wonderful knock of 73 runs in 2nd innings, however, Kuldeep Yadav dismissed him just ahead of the lunch. However, England still have mighty Ben Stokes at the crease. Other than Ben Stokes, Ben Foakes is the only full-time batter left in England’s side.

Also Read: “Innings full of skill”- Sachin Tendulkar’s special praise for Shubman Gill after well-timed ton in Vizag Test

Ravichandran Ashwin bags 3 wickets in 2nd innings

Ravichandran Ashwin rose to the occasion in the 2nd innings, hunting crucial wickets of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Joe Root. In the 1st innings, Jasprit Bumrah jolted 6 England batters to showcase an impeccable bowling attack.

India batted first in the match and piled up 396-10 in 1st innings with a double ton by Yashasvi Jaiswal (209). Later, England put up 253 before losing all wickets. India replied with 255 all-out in 2nd innings to set up a 399-run target for the visitors. Shubman Gill slammed a ton in the 2nd innings.