Commentator Harsha Bhogle and Kevin Pietersen exchange blows on switch hit rules
Veteran Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle and former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen exchanged banter on Twitter after the end of Day 3’s play in the IND vs. ENG 1st Test at Hyderabad on Saturday.
Ollie Pope led the charge for England with innovative shots, including reverse sweeps, to successfully counter Indian spinners. The visitors scored 10 boundaries off a reverse sweep as they pushed their lead to 126 with four wickets still in hand.
However, while on air, Harsha Bhogle opined that, just like a bowler, a right-handed batter should be asked to inform the umpire if he wants to bat left-handed (and vice versa). Pietersen, who was commentating alongside Bhogle, said, “It’s 3:25 local time, and I’m off downstairs because you're talking rubbish.”.
A Twitter user shared KP’s remark on X, to which the former England cricketer replied, “He was!”
Bhogle also returned the blows, stating, “Absolute nonsense! If you want to switch hands, allow a bowler to bowl with both hands. Because something is difficult, it doesn’t make it acceptable. The bowler has to inform the umpire if he wants to bowl left-handed; the batsman must have the same condition. May the debate continue.”.