In a light-hearted hour, Pietersen teased Rayudu for his conspicuous trade of apparel later KKR’s win, which marked their 3rd IPL identify.
Rayudu, who was once unmistakable supporting SRH throughout the duel, first of all wore an orange waistcoat. Then again, later KKR’s triumph, he switched to a blue waistcoat, drawing the eye of the commentators.
Pietersen, identified for his playful jibes, known as Rayudu a “joker” on-air. Host Mayanti Langer famous Rayudu’s transfer in apparel, to which Pietersen spoke back, “I’ve at least held firm. I wore it and I owned it,” mentioning his red get dressed.
He additional jested, “You are a joker, always a joker,” time Rayudu spoke back with a grin, “I am supporting both the teams. I am supporting good cricket.”
What began as pleasant banter temporarily escalated on social media. Pietersen, optic the response spread, took to X to deal with the backlash.
“Come on guys! This tribalism with/against Indian players on social media needs to slow down! Example – @RayuduAmbati and I were messing around after the IPL final and all of sudden that banter has turned into an avalanche of abuse towards Ambati. PLEASE stop it?,” posted the previous England captain.
Rayudu’s transfer of allegiance, supposed as a funny officialism, rather changed into a flashpoint for unfavorable feedback, prompting Pietersen to name for a extra slow and respectful method from the cricketing public.