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TWIMG

Kevin Pietersen came from South Africa’s domestic cricket, where he initially played as an off-spinner. Due to a lack of opportunities, he found himself batting lower down the order. Frustrated with the politics surrounding cricket, he faced repeated exclusions from the team despite his undeniable talent. Disillusioned with South Africa's quota system, Pietersen eventually decided to pursue his cricket career in England.

However, there was a big issue. To qualify for playing for England, Pietersen needed to spend at least four years in county cricket. He took the challenge and performed season after season. Transitioning from an off-spinner, he began scoring centuries and even double centuries with the bat. Just as he was on the verge of being selected for the England team, he found himself embroiled in his first major controversy. This moment have set the stage for the complex relationship he would have with English cricket and his teammates moving forward.
At the Nottinghamshire team, their captain threw Pietersen’s kit out of the window, breaking his bat completely. Pietersen had grown tired of the politics in the team. His coach, Cliff Richards, was sacked, and despite promises, his contract wasn’t renewed. Frustrated with this injustice, Pietersen was planning to leave the club. But the captain, in anger, threw his kit out of the window.

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Kevin Said "During the game I told the captain that I was not happy and that I wanted to leave," Pieterson admitted. "After the game we spoke in the dressing room and then I went to have dinner. I got a call saying the captain had trashed my equipment. I was told the captain had said, 'if he does not want to play for Notts he can f*** off.' I have not spoken to Gallian since, nor have I received an apology."
Despite all the challenges, Pietersen's performance remained unstoppable. He made his debut for England against Zimbabwe, but as he walked onto the field to bat, the situation deteriorated. The crowd booed him, labeling him a traitor, and even the South African players began to play mind games with him. They strategically positioned their fielders to disrupt his rhythm and unsettle him further.

But Pietersen didn’t waver. In the second innings, he delivered an outstanding maiden century, fiercely responding to the criticism and earning everyone’s respect. He also emerged as the top run-scorer of the ODI series against South Africa, hitting three centuries and securing the Player of the Series award. The South Africans who had once despised him were left with no choice but to applaud his performance
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ECB

Despite his success, many in England viewed Pietersen as difficult to manage. He had proven himself against South Africa, but his true challenge was looming - facing Australia. Pietersen had already given Australian bowlers nightmares in ODIs, achieving something no other English player had done before. He aggressively targeted players like Shane Watson and Gillespie, When up against legendary bowlers like Glenn McGrath, Pietersen stood out where others faltered. He played with such confidence, as if he were in his own backyard, effortlessly scoring half-centuries in both innings and treating these renowned bowlers as if they were inexperienced. Although England ultimately lost the match. In the Ashes series, after 18 years, England was battling for the final match, On the last day of the match, with England struggling at 67 for three wickets, Pietersen took control. He played aggressively, handling immense pressure, and even took a hit to his ribs from Brett Lee. He remained steadfast, and with a remarkable 158-run innings, he guided England to victory, helping them reclaim the Ashes.
After the Ashes win, Pietersen had risen to stardom, even received an award from the Queen of England. He was celebrated not just for his cricketing talent but also for his distinctive, funky hairstyle and tattoos, which set him apart. In a time when players adhered to traditional cricket styles, Pietersen transformed the game by popularizing the switch-hit.
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BCCI

Pietersen's career began to decline. In 2008, he was appointed captain of the England team, but issues arose behind the scenes. He clashed with coach Peter Moores, who was unpopular among many players. Pietersen aimed to relieve the pressure on his teammates, but Moores continued to challenge senior players, resulting in a toxic atmosphere within the team. This conflict marked the beginning of a turbulent period in Pietersen's career.
During the 2008 series against India, after a heavy defeat, Pietersen sent an email to the board voicing his concerns about the coach. This email was leaked to the media and public. As a result, Pietersen was stripped of his captaincy.

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TOI 

Despite these setbacks, Pietersen guided England to victory in the 2010 World Twenty20. In 2011, he delivered outstanding performances against India, scoring 202, 174, and several half-centuries. He remained one of the top batsmen globally, but his relationships with teammates had deteriorated.
The situation escalated when the England team suffered another loss in the Ashes series, raising questions about Pietersen's role. During a meeting with the coach, captain, and director, Pietersen expressed his frustrations. He disclosed that some teammates, including bowlers, were bullying players like him and others, but no one spoke up.

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TG

Pietersen's concerns received backing from players such as Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting, but by then, the damage to his career had already been done.
The turning point occurred when Pietersen was accused of leaking tactical information to the opposing team during a Test series. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, he was scapegoated and removed from the squad. The media, influenced by the ECB, turned against him, painting him as arrogant and problematic and made him a VILLAIN.

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ESPN

Kevin Pietersen admits it was a mistake to text South Africa players during the 2012 series in England but says it was simply banter with mates.
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Despite being one of England's top players, Pietersen found himself isolated. His career suffered not only due to his own decisions but also because of the toxic environment within the England dressing room, jealousy from teammates, and the continuous undermining of his role by the board.

However, his journey serves as a cautionary tale about how a player, regardless of their talent and contributions, can be turned into a villain by the very system that should have been there to support them. 




Written By : @Vipint tiwari