Such is his charisma on field in Australia that whenever Pietersen walks out to bat for Melbourne Stars and is introduced via the ground PA system, fans cheer for him and whenever he departs he is given a facetious send-off.
Sacked England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who was once the most hated cricketer for Australian fans, has made the critics' take a u-turn on their views regarding him following his antics in the Big Bash League in Australia.
Pietersen, who admitted to 'crying sessions' after the England sacking, is currently Australian cricket's 'Captain Charisma' and fans feel sorry for him as his career has been cut short by the England selectors. Such is his charisma on field in Australia that whenever Pietersen walks out to bat and is introduced via the ground PA system, fans cheer for him and whenever he departs he is given a facetious send-off, News.com.au reported.
Pietersen's mic'd up sessions during his games for Melbourne Stars has helped changed his image in the Australian community as he has provided BBL viewers with engrossing access to his character, tactics and thought process while fielding and batting. Then there have also been the batsman's commentary stints at non-Stars games, where Pietersen has reportedly captivated audiences by revealing his passion for competitive cricket and big hitting.
The former England star's newfound popularity peaked on Thursday as Brisbane Heat crumbled against Melbourne Renegades at Etihad Stadium. While the Heat's lower order meandered along, trying to fix the mess created by the top order, Pietersen, in the commentary box, was quizzed on a range of topics and issues by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.
Also Read: Kevin Pietersen says he can play for Australia against England
Pietersen said that he has got 'no idea why he is not playing for England', adding that he has 'never been told'. Emotional fans took to social media during the candid Ponting-Pietersen chat.
A fan named Nut Hardiaty said on Fox Sports Cricket Facebook page that the more he hears Pietersen speak the more he feels 'sorry for him that his career has been cut short', adding that one can only hope England wake up soon, as it is a 'massive loss to world cricket'. Another fan, David Abreu, stated that ever since Pietersen came to Australia to play in the BBL he has won the Australian fans over, adding that the Englishman certainly has 'earned a lot of respect'.
Pietersen mightn't have been the most popular man in the English dressing room till one year ago, but his Stars teammates have embraced him almost 'warmly'.
His Stars teammate Glenn Maxwell said that Pietersen is a 'great fella' and a lot of people who he has talked to have said that they've been 'turned around', especially by watching the BBL and the insights the Englishman has been giving.
Maxwell said that he has known Pietersen for a few years and played with him at Delhi three years ago in the IPL and thought that the Englishman was a 'great bloke' then. He added that luckily enough Pietersen has come to the Stars and performed 'absolutely brilliantly for them'.
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