The four-game test against England begins here on Friday, weeks after Rahane led India to an incredible test series victory in Australia.
Speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected show, Pietersen discussed the important stories before the series.
“Kohli, Anderson, Ajinkya Rahane, how is it going to go, being captain in Australia and then coming back and Kohli, how is that dynamic going to work? It’s going to be a very interesting dynamic … something that is talked about a lot during this series, “he said.
“So you have Jofra Archer, can he take down Pujara? Bumrah’s back.
“There are so many different permutations that could happen in this test series, but I think there will be a very interesting story that will unfold in this series: Kohli returns as captain after Ajinkya Rahane was so good in Australia.”
The 40-year-old Pietersen, who briefly led England during his nine-year international career from 2005 to 2014, did not hesitate to rate India as a 100% favorite, even more so when the visitors decided to let some key players rest in line. with its rotation policy.
“India has experience at home, they definitely have it. They have Kohli coming back. England haven’t picked their best team for the first two test matches. I think Johnny Bairstow has to be there and I don’t think he will.” be there.
“India is definitely the favorite. 100% is the favorite, because England have not chosen their best team or they are certainly not starting with their best team.”
While England easily won their last series at home against India, Kohli’s team beat them comprehensively the last time they were in this part of the world.
With the best players from both sides showing good form as of late, Pietersen is sure the cricket world is expecting a series cracker.
“I know Joe Root He’s been outstanding in Sri Lanka, so he’s clearly someone who’s going to arrive in great shape. England Opening Batsmen: Do They Have Enough Time To Change Their Techniques? (Dom) Sibley did well in the last Test Match, “he said.
“Has (Zak) Crawley had enough time to change his technique? Is Burns coming back? Ben Stokes is there, and he’s an absolute superstar. Will Anderson be able to do the business?
“So you have Ashwin, Bumrah, Kohli, Rahane, Pujara, there are too many superstars for me to sit here and pick a particular player. I think it’s going to be a fantastic series – slow terrains, but two great teams,” he said. Pietersen on the show.
Former England pacemaker Dominic Cork is confident that India will emerge victorious.
“I think India will win the series. I think England is in a better place now. England just beating Sri Lanka will help and having players like Stokes, Archer and Burns on the team will help, but I still think India is too.” strong and will win the series. ”
England swept Sri Lanka 2-0 in their previous away series before reaching India.
Cork chose the promising Shubman gill and within Rishabh pants as the young stars to be reckoned with in the series.
“We need to put two younger players on the Indian side. Shubman Gill … what a performance against Australia. Obviously he’s a talented cricketer so I’ll pick him,” Cork said.
“Although Rishabh Pant, I think he has a major force to play in this series, especially with those great innings in the last Test Match to win the series against Australia, but for me, he is Shubman Gill, because he is such a magnificent young player and England will have a hard time getting him out. ”
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