World Cup 2019: 'Don't drop Vijay Shankar for England game', Pietersen advises Kohli

The Former English cricketer has urged to captain Kohli and coach Shastri, to play under-fire all-rounder Vijay Shankar in India's clash against the hosts

The Indian cricket team will look to maintain their unbeaten streak on Sunday when they will take the field against England at Edgbaston. Ahead of this much-awaited clash, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has given Indian captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri one major advice. The Former English cricketer has urged both of them to play under-fire all-rounder Vijay Shankar in India's clash against the hosts. “Dear Virat & Ravi - please don't drop Vijay Shankar. I think he's coming into his own and would potentially win you tomorrow's game,” Pietersen tweeted. The former England star batsman felt young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is not yet ready to be drafted into the playing XI. “Don't think about Pant. He needs another 3 weeks prep before I think he can get into your World Cup side,” he wrote.

Dear Virat & Ravi - please don’t drop Vijay Shankar. I think he’s coming into his own and would potentially win you tomorrow’s game. Don’t think about Pant. He needs another 3 weeks prep before I think he can get into your World Cup side.

Thanks, boys! — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) June 29, 2019

Shankar, who is currently occupying India's number four slot in the batting order, has failed to cash in on the opportunity with scores of 29 against Afghanistan and 14 against the West Indies. India are currently placed second in the 10-team table with 11 points from six matches. Pre-tournament favourites England have lost their last two games against Sri Lanka and Australia to find themselves in a tough situation at fourth place with eight points from seven games.