Kevin Pietersen challenges Harsha Bhogle for arm wrestling after a banter over 'switch-hit'

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen and Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle were engaged in an argument over the switch-hit. The duo had contrasting views and their banter started during Day 3 of the ongoing first Test match between India and England.

England had a great outing on Day 3 with the bat, especially with Ollie Pope slamming a magnificent century. The visitors batters played a lot of sweeps, and switch hits in his innings. Reacting to the same, Kevin Pietersen and Harsha Bhogle engaged in a conversation.

Kevin Pietersen, however, didn’t shy away from lashing out at Harsha Bhogle. He quipped on air that the Indian commentator was talking rubbish. He said: “It’s 3:25 local time and I’m off downstairs because you’re talking rubbish.” 

"It's 3:25 local time and I'm off downstairs because your talking rubbish" @KP24 on @bhogleharsha #INDvsENG

— Ciaron Deegan (@Deegs_OCC) January 27, 2024

The banter, however, didn’t stay till there as after the game, Kevin Pietersen continued poking Harsha Bhogle. He while replying to a fan, who highlighted former England’s cricketer comments on Harsha Bhogle, stated that the Indian commentator was talking rubbish.

He was!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 27, 2024

This didn’t go well with Harsha Bhogle, who then took a brutal reply to Kevin Pietersen for his comments. He while calling former England cricketer’s comments nonsense explained his point and tweeted:

“Absolute nonsense!. If you want to switch hit allow a bowler to bowl with both hands. Because something is difficult, it doesn’t make it acceptable. The bowler has to inform the umpire if he wants to bowl left-handed, the batsman must have the same condition. May the debate continue.”

Absolute nonsense! 😄 😄. If you want to switch hit allow a bowler to bowl with both hands. Because something is difficult, it doesn't make it acceptable. The bowler has to inform the umpire if he wants to bowl left handed, the batsman must have the same condition. May the debate… https://t.co/JcXTJRdQhe

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2024

Replying to this, the former England cricketer went one step ahead and challenged him to settle the debate. Kevin Pietersen said that he wants to settle it by having an arm wrestling match with Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle.

We can settle this with an arm wrestle?

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 27, 2024

Pope Brilliant- Kevin Pietersen lauds Ollie Pope for his magnificent ton

Ollie Pope has been one of the main reasons behind England having a successful day in the ongoing Test against India. The right-hander played one of the best innings by the foreign batter in Indian conditions and made sure that his team took a lead of over 100, which at one stage didn’t seem possible, especially after England lost quick wickets in the middle overs.

Ollie Pope remained unbeaten on 148 runs as England ended Day 3 on 316/6. He would be hoping to take his team close to the lead of 200 runs and give bowlers something to defend.

Kevin Pietersen lauded Ollie Pope’s staggering innings and hailed his knock as brilliant. Talking to his Twitter account, he said: “Pope BRILLIANT”

Pope BRILLIANT 💫#INDvENG

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 27, 2024

Kevin Pietersen also praised the brand of cricket both India and England have played in ongoing games. He believes that the game will be heading towards a tight finish. The visitors are 126 runs ahead and still have 4 wickets in hand. He added:

“If you’re a lover of Test cricket, no matter if you’re English or Indian, we should all love the fact that England have a lead and we’re hopefully in for a tight finish tomorrow.”

If you’re a lover of Test cricket, no matter if you’re English or Indian, we should all love the fact that England have a lead and we’re hopefully in for a tight finish tomorrow. #INDvENG

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 27, 2024