India the ones to beat at World T20: Kevin Pietersen
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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are genuine superstars of the game, feels Pietersen. © Getty
Kevin Pietersen was in the thick of things in the recently concluded Big Bash League 2015-16 in Australia, scoring 323 runs for the Melbourne Stars. Pakistan Super League is the charismatic batsman's next port-of-call where he will be turning out for Quetta Gladiators. In the mean time, he will also be eager to see which team picks him for Indian Premier League's (IPL) ninth edition at the forthcoming player auction. Here are the excerpts from the Kevin Pietersen interview:
What are your expectations from PSL? How different do you expect it to be from the other leagues that you have played around the world?
I honestly don't know what it's going to be like, that's the exciting thing. I'm sure it's going to be a really exciting competition, and given the players who are taking part, very competitive as well. The UAE is also a fantastic place to play sport, so I think the players are going to have great fun both on and off the field.
You were Melbourne Stars' top run-getter in the recently concluded BBL. Expectations will be sky high in the PSL as well. How difficult will it be to start all over again and hit peak form, given the conditions will be completely different?
I'm feeling really good about my game, so hopefully I can pick off from where I left. As I've got older and more experienced, I know how to prepare myself to get the very best from my game. I'm no stranger to the conditions we're going to be facing, and fingers crossed, I can score some runs and contribute positively to the team.
I'm also looking forward to working with the younger players in the team and passing on any advice or help I can give. I've been fortunate enough to play the game for so long and helping the youngsters out is something I really enjoy doing.
The IPL-9 auctions are around the corner. Which team would you ideally like to represent?
I honestly don't have a preference. I'm just really excited at the prospect of playing in India again. I've made no secret that I love playing in India and the reception and warmth I receive from all the fantastic people over there is incredible. I'm just looking forward to hopefully getting back playing over there and catching up with some old friends as well.
The ICC World Twenty20 takes place in March in India. Which are the teams, you feel, are going to start favourites?
It's right up in the air, in my opinion. There are so many teams who have world class players who can change a game, and that's what you need in a competition like that. But I'd say right now, India are the ones to beat. Not only are they a great side, but home advantage means a lot. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are genuine superstars of the game. I love watching these guys bat and I have a feeling they could be the ones to do the business.
What do you make of the current England T20 squad? Will their recent success in South Africa in the Test series rub off on their performance in the shortest format of the game?
It's a really exciting time for our young squad as there's so much talent in there. Guys like Joe Root, Jason Roy and Ben Stokes have been doing fantastically well and the new coach, Trevor Bayliss, seems to be doing the right things, which is fantastic. Could England win the World Cup? Absolutely. But they'll have to play to the best of their ability and all perform collectively as a team. It's still a young squad, so I just hope they have the experience to handle the pressure. But, in Eoin Morgan they have a brilliant player and captain who'll be there leading from the front.
You are also keen on making it to the England squad. How realistic do you feel are your chances?
I've made no secret of my desire to play for England at the World Cup, but whether it happens, I don't honestly know. If I do get selected, amazing. If not, I'll carry on as normal and support the guys. I'm just looking forward to a brilliant tournament.
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