‘Tribalism with/against Indian players on social media needs to slow down’ – Kevin Pietersen comes to Ambati Rayudu’s aid amid online abuse

Kevin Pietersen and Ambati Rayudu ( Source X / Twitter )

Ambati Rayudu has received support from Kevin Pietersen, a couple of days after the legendary England cricketer called him a “joker” on live television.

Rayudu was backing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to win the final and wore an orange waistcoat while doing commentary in the all-important clash at Chennai. However, after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious, Rayudu changed his waistcoat to blue. Fellow analyst, Pietersen, who was wearing purple to cheer for the Knights, slammed the former India cricketer and called him a “joker” for switching sides.

Rayudu has been in the news for some hard-hitting comments he made on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their iconic batter Virat Kohli. While congratulating KKR on their third IPL title, Rayudu said that winning the Orange Cap doesn’t guarantee a tournament win. Fans felt that his comments were directed to Kohli, who won the Orange Cap in IPL 2024 but couldn’t help RCB end their long wait for an elusive IPL title. The former Chennai Super Kings player also said that the Delhi batter’s presence in RCB puts a burden on the younger players as they feel the added pressure to live up to his standards.

Also Read: ‘It’s not Orange Cap that wins you IPL’ – Ambati Rayudu’s cheeky dig at Virat Kohli following KKR’s third IPL win

These comments didn’t sit well with Kohli and RCB fans. Pietersen calling Rayudu a “joker” became one of the most watched and shared videos on social media after KKR’s win in the final. Kohli fans made it a point to dish out online abuse to Rayudu, demanding an official apology from the 38-year-old for his comments on their favourite player.

Amid the chaos, Pietersen came out in support of Rayudu and requested the fans to stop the “avalanche of abuse” they were directing at the right-handed batter.

Also Read: ‘My heart truly goes out to all the RCB supporters’ – Ambati Rayudu takes yet another dig at RCB

“Come on guys! This tribalism with/against Indian players on social media needs to slow down! Example –
@RayuduAmbati (fellow broadcaster on air) and I were messing around after the IPL final and all of a sudden that banter has turned into an avalanche of abuse towards Ambati. PLEASE stop it?” Pietersen wrote on his official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle.

It is great to see Pietersen taking a stand for his fellow commentator. Meanwhile, Rayudu is yet to respond to the Pietermaritzburg-born’s message of support.