After a thrilling encounter in the T20I series in which India thrashed England 4-1 to clinch a home series win, the two sides locked horns in the ODI format. However, the results were not different, as India managed to outperform England win the first two ODI, and stake their claim on another series win against the English side. Amidst derailing performance and consecutive series opener, England opener Ben Duckett shocked the cricketing world by making a rather bizarre comment on the current India-England series. Now, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has shared a strong reply over Duckett’s remarks in a rather unpleasant manner for the English ace batter.
Ben Duckett’s bizarre remarks on England’s tour to India
The England opener remained unfazed by the outcome of bilateral ODI series against India, emphasizing that their primary goal is the Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking to The Guardian ahead of the final ODI, Duckett stated that the India series serves merely as a preparation for the ICC tournament, which remains England’s ultimate focus. He stressed that short-term results are secondary to building a team capable of competing at the highest level when it matters most.
“This is a massive series, but the Champions Trophy is the big competition. If we lose 3-0 to India, I don’t care as long as we beat them in the final in the Champions Trophy. No one will probably look back on this series if we go and do the business in that competition,” Duckett had remarked during a pre-match press conference.
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Kevin Pietersen’s furious reply over Duckett’s remarks
Former England captain Pietersen has strongly criticized Duckett for his surprising remarks about the India series ahead of the Ahmedabad ODI. With India securing the series in Cuttack, England’s winless run in the ODI series continued as they head into the Champions Trophy. However, Duckett appeared unaffected by the defeat, downplaying its significance and shifting focus to the upcoming ICC tournament—a stance that has drawn sharp reactions from Pietersen.
“Those words should be frowned upon. Those words would come out of your mouth in a press conference. I sort of understand his reasoning saying that losing to India would mean absolutely nothing if they win the Champions trophy. And I hope that England can turn on that tap and flick that switch that enables all their batters to get hundreds, whatever they bat, and their bowlers to get wickets whenever they bowl because it’s quite statement of what that dressing room thinks. If they think that just here in India they can just turn up it doesn’t matter. The results it doesn’t matter,” Pietersen said during a discussion on Star Sports.
England’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins with a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Australia on February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. They will then face Afghanistan at the same venue on February 26, before concluding their group-stage campaign against South Africa on March 1 at National Stadium, Karachi. With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals, England will need strong performances to secure their place in the knockout stage.