Team India delivered an impressive performance in the third and final ODI of the series against England, achieving a decisive 142-run victory in Ahmedabad, thereby clinching the series 3-0. England faced significant challenges throughout the series, suffering largely one-sided losses in all three matches. Compounding their difficulties, former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who provided commentary during the final ODI, disclosed that the England players participated in only one practice session during the entire series.

"From what I've gathered, England have had merely one net session throughout this trip, if any at all. If you are not willing to put in the necessary effort, improvement will be elusive," Shastri remarked during the broadcast as England experienced a collapse in the final match.

Kevin Pietersen, the former England captain, responded vehemently to Shastri's assertion, criticizing the English players for their apparent lack of dedication. Following England's defeat on Disney+ Hotstar, Pietersen expressed his astonishment upon learning that the players had only engaged in one practice session.

“Ravi Shastri and I were discussing upstairs that these players should have practised at least once in the past week. They had one practice session, the day before the Nagpur game, and have not practised since. Only one batsman – Joe Root – had a net session. It is unacceptable to arrive in the subcontinent, repeatedly make the same errors, and then choose not to practice,” Pietersen stated.

“There is not a single athlete, regardless of gender, who enters a series with the mindset of improving without practice. I am truly astonished. I was flabbergasted to learn that England had not practised since the first match. Absolutely flabbergasted.”

‘You have so much disrespect for Indian conditions and India…’

Pietersen criticized England players for opting to play golf rather than participating in net sessions, especially in light of their recent disappointing performances.

"I understand the desire to enjoy oneself. These moments are some of the best in your life. Engage in golf, make the most of your time, and truly relish playing for England. However, it is essential to remember that you are compensated to score runs and win cricket matches. Playing golf is not part of the job; this is a cricket tour, not a golf tour," remarked the former England captain.

"You practice so that when you board the flight tomorrow, you can be confident that you have given your all to secure a victory for England. I doubt there is anyone in that England dressing room who can board the plane tomorrow and claim they did their utmost for the team—perhaps Joe Root, as he practised—but no other player can honestly say they gave their best for England. That, to me, is disheartening."

During the T20I series, England batsman Harry Brook commented on the air quality in Kolkata, suggesting it affected his visibility when he was dismissed by Varun Chakaravarthy. Nevertheless, Brook's overall performance in the series was subpar, leading Pietersen to express his frustration over the perceived lack of respect shown by England players towards India.

"I am truly disappointed to say that you are showing such disregard for Indian conditions and for India itself. From an Englishman's perspective, this is incredibly disheartening," Pietersen stated.

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