Birmingham: Former England captain Kevin Pietersen wants the under-fire Vijay Shankar to be retained in India's playing XI for their much-anticipated World Cup clash against the hosts.
Taking a subtle dig at India's persistence with Shankar at the expense of Rishabh Pant, Pietersen said the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman will take at least three weeks to get ready, by which time the tournament will be over.
On Sunday, India take on England in what is being billed as the face-off of the showpiece.
"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.
"Don't think about Pant. He needs another 3 weeks prep before I think he can get into your World Cup side," he wrote.
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 presently 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.
