The Indian cricket team suffered their second defeat at the ICC men’s T20 World Cup in a Super 12 group 2 game against New Zealand. The match that was played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium saw the Men in Blue lose the do-or-die encounter by 8 wickets. Owing to this loss, India are now on the brink of elimination.

Following the defeat, India faced a lot of flak from cricketers and fans alike for their dismal performance in the world cup. However, the Virat Kohli-led team found support in a certain section of people. Among them was former England batter Kevin Pietersen.

In a tweet in Hindi, he said that sportspersons are not robots, they need support. “No player takes the field to lose,” he added.

“In sport, one wins and one loses. No player takes the field to lose. Representing your country is the biggest honour. Please understand that sportspersons are not robots and they need support all the time,” Pietersen tweeted in the Hindi language.

Pietersen represented England in 104 Tests and 136 ODIs.

After the match, former Indian players questioned the shot selection of the batters as well the sudden change in batting under with Rohit Sharma coming out to bat at number three instead of opening the innings.

India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also backed the team.

“Let’s not be harsh on our players. Yes, we know them for better cricket. Sabse jyada players ko hurt hota hai after such results (players get hurt the most after a loss). But well done to @BLACKCAPS NZ for winning the match. They were fantastic in all departments,” Harbhajan tweeted.

As far as the match is concerned, batting first, India huffed and puffed as they put up a paltry 110 in 20 overs. The Indian team kept losing wickets at regular intervals, surrendering meekly to a potent New Zealand bowling attack. The pacers did the job up-front by picking up wickets and then Ish Sodhi weaved his magic in the middle overs.

In reply, the Indian bowling unit looked immature as New Zealand played them comfortably, scoring runs easily. 

India are now languishing at number five in Group 2 points table and their progression in the tournament depends on other teams.