Overview:
The former England cricketer made it clear that his relationship with the country has always been one of mutual respect, with Indian fans consistently showing admiration for his contributions to the game.
Kevin Pietersen has responded to the backlash he’s received for his praise of India, explaining his unwavering support. The former England batter has been at the receiving end of online criticism for his posts favouring India. Pietersen’s admiration for the country stems from the cherished memories of his career, particularly his standout innings, which captured the hearts of countless Indian fans.
Kevin Pietersen has fired back at his critics, noting that he has never experienced any form of criticism or negativity in India. The former England cricketer made it clear that his relationship with the country has always been one of mutual respect, with Indian fans consistently showing admiration for his contributions to the game.
“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 added that India embraced him before anyone else, and he’s returning that feeling with even more love.
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— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 19, 2025
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.
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I’ve made…
“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.
He has appeared in nine Test matches in India, scoring 703 runs at an average of 43.93, including two centuries and four fifties. He also played a significant role in England’s memorable Test series win in India during the 2012–13 tour led by Alastair Cook.
He played in 26 ODIs, racking up 1120 runs at 46.66, highlighted by a solitary century and eight fifties. His IPL journey lasted for five seasons until 2016, after which he re-entered the league in a support staff role, becoming a mentor for the Delhi Capitals in the 2025 season.