Former England batsman Pietersen expresses his views on Betway Blog as the final IPL week commences, talks about Brendon McCullum and sympathizes with Jofra Archer’s injuries.
The final IPL week is about to end, and the competition is now neck to neck. Everyone is now looking forward to the ultimate show-off. With a fantastic week ahead of the IPL finals, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen talks about the recent advancements.
The top two teams on the IPL table are definitely the deserving ones!
The commentator said he feels the teams Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans deserve the top positions they hold in the league stage. He explained how he was impressed with their performance despite being new to the franchise. Pietersen explained how the teams entered the competition fearlessly and with a “fresh slate, which has worked for them.”
He applauded Lucknow’s incredible batting performance on Wednesday when the team played all twenty overs and zero wickets.
Pietersen said, “It’s not something you can ever imagine happening, considering the risks you take and the shots you play.”
The commentator was also delighted to see the unique partnership between KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock during the opening. He said he always knew both players had a special potential to stand out however, this was extraordinary. Their performance has placed them in a unique position, and it can also help them win the competition, Pietersen continued.
The ultimate race is on!
While the game is now finally on, the gripping playoffs prove just that, especially after RCB’s Thursday performance. The batsman also talked about the second top team Rajasthan Royals.
He still sees Rajasthan Royals playing the final and hopes Rajasthan can go all the way in the memory of Shane Warne. He thinks there is a special energy in Rajasthan camp at the moment.
“It’s terrible news for poor Jofra Archer that he’ll miss the whole summer” – Pietersen.
Talking about Archer’s injury and his difficult recovery path, he said, “He’s (Jofra Archer) shown moments of brilliance for England and other teams, and it’s just a horrible blow for him.”
Adding further he said, “It’s difficult to imagine him recovering from this to play long-form cricket again, that’s the horrible reality. Hopefully he can still carve out a top-level white-ball career.”
He also stated Archer’s injuries like the ‘stress fracture’ to his back following a similar injury pattern sustained by other bowlers from England.
The latest Brendon McCullum appointment
Pietersen expressed how McCullum is the right choice to coach England’s Test match team.
Kevin thinks the brand of cricket played by Brendon McCullum is along the same lines as what Rob Key and Ben Stokes want. It’s also what the paying public want to see on the field.
The batsman explained this positive change was essential for the England team and how McCullum, as a coach, will encourage them to play more naturally, ensuring discipline.
Kevin believes, McCullum isn’t scared by England’s recent failures. According to Kevin, Brendon only knows positivity, and he’s only known success as a captain of a New Zealand Test team.
