'Leave India-England': Matthew Hayden forces Kevin Pietersen to go off-script on Live TV by dragging Kagiso Rabada

The World Test Championship (WTC) final 2025 has concluded, and focus is expected to shift to the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England. Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden forced Kevin Pietersen to talk about the WTC 2025 final clash rather than the India-England series.

South Africa ended their long wait for an ICC title by winning the WTC Final. They defeated Australia by five wickets at Lord’s on Saturday, June 14. It was their first major ICC trophy since the 1998 ICC KnockOut. The South African team celebrated the momentous win in front of a crowd at a packed Lord’s.

Why Don't We Leave the India-England Series - Kevin Pietersen

During the post-match coverage, an unpleasant moment took place on live television. Kevin Pietersen and Matthew Hayden were asked to preview the upcoming India-England Test series.

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Pietersen began discussing how India might take advantage of England’s relatively inexperienced bowling unit. However, Hayden wasn’t too pleased and even walked out of the frame briefly.

pic.twitter.com/rcxGvzTavn

— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) June 15, 2025

Hayden brought Kagiso Rabada, one of the heroes of South Africa's historic victory, into the discussion. Pietersen quickly returned to celebrating the WTC Final.

"Why don't we leave the India-England series because right now we have an absolute legend with us in Kagiso Rabada," Kevin Pietersen said.

Kagiso Rabada Delivers Match-Winning Spell with 9/110

South Africa secured their first ICC title in 27 years with a win in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. Kagiso Rabada played a key role with match figures of 9/110, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. He entered the Lord’s Honours Board for the second time after a similar feat in 2022.

With the Proteas chasing 282 in the final innings, Aiden Markram scored 136 runs with the help of 14 boundaries. He added a match-defining 147-run partnership with captain Temba Bavuma, who scored 66 runs.

The return of the ICC Test Mace to South African hands will be remembered in the nation's cricketing history. Following the final, the new WTC 2025-27 cycle will begin with a Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, set to commence on June 17.

You've Got a Very Inexperienced Bowling Attack with England - Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen shared his views on India's preparations for the upcoming Test series. He said Shubman Gill and KL Rahul need to deliver with the bat, especially considering the recent challenges. Pietersen also noted that Gill will need to make sound decisions as a leader.

“I know it would have been a toss-up between him and Bumrah, but I don't know if you can say Jasprit Bumrah will play all 5 Test matches. I lean towards Shubman Gill. He will be the guy who will bear the responsibility with KL Rahul in making sure they get to some scores they need to get to. We have seen in the last 3-4 days how difficult batting can be.”

"He will need to make sure he makes some good decisions as a leader and a skipper. If at the end of the day, you look at what they’re up against themselves, you’ve got a very inexperienced bowling attack with England, but the batters are going to enjoy facing that attack, if the conditions are good,” said Pietersen about the series.

Also read: New Zealand tour of India 2026: Full schedule of blockbuster series announced by BCCI