Pietersen backs Indian team, says players are not robots

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen on Monday backed the under-fire Indian cricket team, saying the players are not robots and need fans' support all the time.

Coming into the T20 World Cup as a strong title-contender, India lost their tournament-opener by 10 wickets to Pakistan and then followed that up with an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand.

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

The team's unexpected below-par show has drawn sharp criticism from its passionate supporters.

However, Pietersen, who represented England in 104 Tests and 136 ODIs, came out in India's defense.

''In sport, one wins and one loses. No player takes the field to lose. Representing your country is the biggest honor. Please understand that sportspersons are not robots and they need support all the time,'' Pietersen tweeted in the Hindi language. Former 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 th match. They were fantastic in all departments,'' Harbhajan tweeted.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)