Pune, April 6 (Cricketnmore): Friendly banters have always been a part and parcel of cricket and this time it was two former Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) teammates -- Mahendra Singh Dhoni and England's Kevin Pietersen -- taking shots at each other in the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Mumbai Indians here on Thursday.
In the second over of the match, Pietersen, who skipped playing this edition of the IPL and instead is at the commentator's box asked Pune's Manoj Tiwary on the microphone to tell Dhoni that the former England batsman is a better golfer than the Ranchi stumper.
After insisting, Tiwary, who was fielding at slips went to Dhoni, and passed Pietersen's message to which Dhoni retorted: "He's still my first Test wicket," which triggered laughter in the commentary box as well as to the viewers.
Dhoni, however, forgot that his appeal to get Pietersen caught behind during the 2011 tour to England was turned down by umpire Billy Bowden.
Here is the entire conversation and what transpired:
Kevin Pietersen: You are looking good, mate. Can you just do me a favor and can you just whisper in MS’ ear that I am a better golfer than him?”
Manoj Tiwary: (smiling) I will do that after this ball.
Kevin Pietersen: Thank you. Come on, you have got an opportunity now. Please tell him. Please tell him.
Manoj Tiwary: (speaking to MS Dhoni) bhaiya, Kevin Pietersen bol raha hai ki woh aapse better golfer hai. (still laughing) [ Kevin Pietersen says he is a better golfer than you]
MS Dhoni: (speaking to the mic and addressing KP with a smile on his face) He is still my first Test wicket
Kevin Pietersen: (failing to contain his laughter) It was a referral. It was a referral. Not Out. I’ll tell you what it’s wonderful when you get real good people on the mic, you got the players on there, you get some great stuff. Well done, mate.