Kevin Pietersen was heavily trolled on social media for his tweet suggesting Indian skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri to stick with under-fire all-rounder Vijay Shankar and not play Rishabh Pant in India vs England match in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The former England star batsman has been an avid fan of Pant and perhaps was frustrated in seeing India continuously playing an out-of-form Shankar over the more-fancied youngster. Vijay Shankar Faces Wrath of Angry Indian Fans After Being Dismissed Cheaply Against West Indies; Twitterati Wants Dinesh Karthik or Rishabh Pant in His Place.

India fans were, however, not happy to see a former player – and one from a different nation – advise Kohli and take a cheeky dig at him over for selecting Shankar instead of Pant. It is also important to know that Shankar was part of the original 15-member Indian squad selected for CWC 2019, while Pant only arrived in England after opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out of the tournament with a thumb fracture. Pietersen also tried to be cheeky in his tweet requesting Kohli and Shastri to play Shankar against England but also taking a dig at them for not playing Pant.  MS Dhoni Must Bat at 4 Not Vijay Shankar in CWC 2019, Says Former Australia Batsman Dean Jones.

Take a Look At Kevin Pietersen's Cheeky Request to Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri:

Many fans in the last few weeks have been calling out the Indian team management for playing Shankar in all the matches, despite him being out of form with the bat. Fans and experts likewise have been vouching for the inclusion of either Dinesh Karthik or Pant for Shankar in India’s next game against England on June 30. Shankar’s record with the bat in the last three matches reads – 15 (not-out), 29 and 14 against Pakistan, Afghanistan and West Indies respectively. He took 2/22 with the ball against Pakistan. Here are some reactions from fans: Rishabh Pant Is Not My No. 4, Dinesh Karthik or Kedar Jadhav Can Do the Job: Former Team India Coach Anshuman Gaekwad.

Well, Virat Kohli Doesn't Need Any Advice!

Virat Knows What's Best For India!

Kevin Pietersen And England

Tit For Tat

Sarcastic Kevin?

Wrong Time For Vijay Shankar?

Vijay Shankar Will Blow England Away!

Kevin Pietersen Thinking of An England win?

Stats Speaks Louder Than Words

A lot has been said over the inclusion of Vijay Shankar in India’s ICC World Cup 2019 squad. The selectors of the Indian cricket team were roasted on social media when they chose Shankar over Ambati Rayudu and prodigious talent Rishabh Pant in the 15-member World Cup team. But as fate would have it, Pant finds himself as part of the Indian team in England following Dhawan’s injury.

India Vs England CWC19 Match Preview, Playing XI, Head to Head and Key Battles to Watch Out For

India are currently placed second in the points table with 11 points from six games. Another victory will assure them a semi-final berth. They next play hosts England, who have eight points from a match more, on June 30.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2019 07:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).