Kevin Pietersen Defends Harshit Rana Amid Substitution Debate

Kevin Pietersen on Harshit Rana: India won the series with a thrilling 15-run win in the fourth match of the five-match T20 series. Batting first, the host team scored 181 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. In response, the English team chased the target, which was reduced to 166 in 19.4 overs.

Harshit Rana Shines as India Takes 3-1 Lead

The biggest role in India’s victory was played by concussion substitute (in place of Shivam Dubey) Harshit Rana, who took three wickets for 33 runs in 4 overs. During the first innings, Shivam was hit on the helmet by a ball from Jamie Overton, due to which he did not come out to field in the second innings.

England captain Jos Buttler and many cricket experts are questioning the decision to choose a fast bowler like Harshit Rana as a replacement for Shivam Dubey, who is a batting all-rounder. Meanwhile, former English player Kevin Pietersen has come forward and supported Harshit Rana and praised the young bowler.

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Kevin Pietersen Supports Harshit Rana Amid Criticism

Kevin Pietersen says that it was not Harshit Rana’s fault that he was chosen as a concussion substitute. Speaking on Star Sports after the match, he said,

“No, Harshit’s performance was brilliant. I thought he displayed his skills brilliantly. I thought the way he assessed some batsmen was brilliant. The way he assessed situations where he went out on several occasions. He was brilliant.

And for his cricket, he was excellent, and it is not his fault that he became a concussion substitute. He went there and bowled with all his heart and won the match.”

After the victory in the fourth T20 match, the Indian team is leading the series 3-1. The last match of the series between the two teams will be played on February 2 at the Wankhede Stadium. After this, the three-match ODI series will start again on February 6.