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Kevin Pietersen claims he backed 'close friend' Virat Kohli during his slump


image-la82lacuVirat Kohli (Source: AP)

India will take on England in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi finals later this week and former Three Lions' star Kevin Pietersen has revealed that he wants Virat Kohli to have a day off.

The 34-year-old has been in impressive form during the World Cup and he is one of the contenders to bag the player of the tournament award. He will be one of the key players for the Men in Blue if they are to win the World Cup this month. 

Kohli was outstanding against Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. He will be hoping to make his mark in the semi finals as well. 

Pietersen will hope that the Indian star is not in his element against the Three Lions. Kohli is the kind of player who can take the game away from England quickly. 

Meanwhile, the former England star has reflected on Kohli's slump over the last three years. Pietersen claimed that he backed the Indian ace during the difficult times and believed the player would bounce back strongly. 

He also referred to the Indian ace as an entertainer who thrives in front of big crowds. Pietersen added that Kohli is enjoying the big stage of a World Cup and the high octane atmosphere in the grounds of Australia. 

As quoted by Hindustan Times, Pietersen said:

"I backed Kohli throughout the little loss of form that he had, and he's had a lot to deal with. He is an entertainer, he needs crowds, he needs that buzz, he needs that excitement. He didn't have that for a few years, and he lost his way. But the crowds are in, it's a T20 World Cup in Australia – one of the greatest places to play T20 cricket – and the King is back. As a close friend, I'm very happy for him, but I just need Virat to have a day off."


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