Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has shared a post on his official social media handle in which he opened up about what makes him love India as a country.
The former cricketer shared a three-pointer post, in which he first said that in his career of over two decades, he has never faced disrespect or negative energy in India. He has always received love and respect from his fans in the country.
“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,” wrote Pietersen.
In the second point, the former cricketer stated that he made some of the most cherished bonds with the players in India. The 45-year-old South Africa-born athlete also said that he earned respect on the cricket field, whether it was by playing against India or for any franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I’ve made lifelong friendships there that I treasure. Friends who became family. Brothers for life. 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,” he said.
In the concluding part of his social media post, Pietersen wrote that “India gave me its heart fist, so India will always have mine”.
“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 signed off.
During his playing stint, Pietersen has scored 8181 runs for England in 104 Test matches. He also smashed 23 centuries and 35 half-centuries, with a top score of 227 runs.
The right-hander also featured in 136 ODI matches for the “Three Lions” and garnered 4440 runs, with the help of nine tons and 25 half-centuries. With a career best score of 130 runs in the format, Pietersen goes down as one of the finest batsmen to have ever played for England.