Former English batsman Kevin Pietersen will return to his birth-place to play for Sunfoil Dolphins in South Africa’s T20 competition Ram Slam in the upcoming season. After being ignored by the English team, Pietersen has kept himself busy by playing in T20 leagues around the world.

Pietersen, who has not played professional cricket since April due to an injury he suffered while plying his trade in Indian Premier League duty, has penned down a deal to play five group matches for the Dolphins.

Pietersen played a vital role in the franchise’s run to the final in last edition. The right-handed batsman scored 401 runs at an average of 80.20 in just seven innings with two hundred and two fifties.

Pietersen expressed his excitement over the move.
‘I’m as excited as anything to have signed with the Dolphins again,’ said Pietersen..’I had such a wonderful season with them last season and I really enjoyed the team, the camaraderie, and the competition so it was a very easy decision to sign again for this season’s T20 competition.

‘It will be great to get back on to the cricket field again and I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone in Durban again as well. Here’s to a successful campaign.’

New Dolphins head coach, Grant Morgan too expressed his delight over Pietersen’s signing for the Dolphins.

“I was privileged enough to spend some time with Kevin during my time at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL back in 2009,” Morgan said.

“He was captain of that side and made an indelible impact on all the players, especially the youngsters. It’s great to have Kevin coming back and playing for the Dolphins again this season.

“He is a world-class player in all formats of the game and, in T20, he is no doubt one of the best there has ever been.”

Pietersen, who was controversially dropped the after 5-0 Ashes defeat in 2013-14, played 104 Tests and 136 one-day internationals for England.