Former England star batsman Kevin Pietersen has opened up about his love for India and the IPL (Indian Premier League). Pietersen is a part of the IPL commentary team and had landed in the UAE last week going straight into the mandatory quarantine.
Pietersen had featured for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rising Pune Supergiants (now defunct) in his IPL career. He made total 36 appearances in the tournament scoring a total of 1001 runs.
The Indian Premier League will be played in UAE amid the Coronavirus pandemic, from September 19 to November 10, amid COVID-19 protocols laid down by the ICC and BCCI.
Kevin Pietersen is hoping for DC win IPL 2020:
KP still has a soft corner for Delhi which he made clear by telling he hopes Delhi win the IPL 2020. Even though he also played for RCB and RPS in the IPL his heart still roots for DC to win. He told he loves exciting young players who take risks.
“It’s going to be different for sure. No fans, nothing. Everybody is in a bubble and the team that copes with its bubble life the best is the team that’s going to win. This is new territory for everyone,” Kevin Pietersen told IANS.
“I can’t predict anything as of now, but my heart really wants Delhi Capitals to win because I love the team. However, I can’t predict right now. It’s totally a new and different season for everybody.
“So, I have to closely observe the teams for the first two weeks, and only then will I be able to put my professional brain on. I love young players. I love exciting players. I love all sorts of players. I love players who take risks,” he added.
I love IPL. I love what India has given to me: Kevin Pietersen
KP says he loves the IPL and India for what they have given to him, from emotional benefits to financial benefits. He also feels lucky to have experienced the Indian culture and friendships.
“I love the IPL. I love what India has given to me. I love everything about the journey that I have had since 2002 — the first time I came to India. I am so lucky that I got to experience Indian culture, friendships. I have been benefited financially, I have been benefited emotionally in India. I owe a lot to India,” he said, while promoting the National Geographic’s documentary, “Save This Rhino”, which he called his “greatest gift to India”.
The IPL 2020 will be played between September 19 and November 10. The venue this time is UAE and matches will be played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah respectively.