A bond built over decades
Few international cricketers have embraced India quite like Kevin Pietersen. The former England captain, who carved out some of his most iconic cricketing moments on Indian soil, has once again expressed his admiration for the country — this time offering a deeply personal explanation for why he proudly identifies as “pro-India.”
Pietersen, now a regular in India’s cricketing ecosystem as a broadcaster and IPL mentor, shared a series of reflections in a post on X (formerly Twitter), addressing the question he says he gets asked often.
“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,” he wrote.
Friendships and respect earned on and off the field
The former batter, who was part of England’s Test series win in India in 2012–13 and represented several IPL franchises during his career, highlighted the deep relationships he has built across the country. His cricketing excellence, he believes, helped him earn the respect he continues to receive.
“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,” Pietersen posted.
1/3
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.2/3
I’ve made…— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 19, 2025
Beyond the boundary, Pietersen has remained active in Indian cricket circles through roles with broadcasters and as a mentor. Most recently, he worked with the Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2025 season.
‘India gave me its heart first’
Pietersen concluded his message by expressing his profound gratitude for the unwavering affection he has received from Indian fans and peers alike. The country, he says, will always hold a special place in his life.
“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 wrote.
With his words striking a chord online, Pietersen’s tribute serves as a reminder of the deep emotional bonds cricket can create — even across borders and fierce rivalries.
