 "Kevin Pietersen has revealed the reason for his love for India. Reuters")
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen’s love for India has not been hidden from anyone. The cricketer-turned-commentator can be consistently seen engaging with Indian audiences on social media and also has used Hindi in his posts. His inclination towards India has also attracted him critics and he has been trolled as well.
However, the trolling seems to have not worked as Pietersen on Wednesday revealed the reason behind why he loves India so much.
“People often ask why I seem so ‘pro’ India. Answer is simple: in over 20 years and dozens of trips, I have NEVER once faced disrespect, negativity, backstabbing or bad energy there. Not once! Only love, kindness, loyalty, warmth and respect — every single time. I’ve made lifelong friendships there that I treasure. Friends who became family. Brothers for life.,” wrote Pietersen on his X account.
He said that he is just reciprocating the love that India has given him during his cricketing career.
“I know respect has to be earned — and I like to think I earned mine by producing the goods on the cricket field year after year, giving my everything! Whether it was against India or for an IPL team. When a country and its people give you nothing but pure positive energy your entire adult life, that love gets returned tenfold. India gave me its heart first. So India will always have mine. Forever grateful. KP,” he added.
Pietersen played key role in England’s historic Test series win in India
Before New Zealand whitewashed India in 2024, England were the only team who had beaten the Indians at home in almost 12 years. England had earned a historic 2-1 win in India in 2012-13 to register one of their most memorable series wins in recent times.
Pietersen’s 186 in the second Test in 2012-13 series is regarded as one of the best knocks in recent memory by an overseas batter in India. He won the Player of the Match in the second Test in Mumbai which triggered England’s comeback victory. He also finished as the third-highest run-scorer in the series.
Pietersen also has 1001 runs in five seasons of the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiants.