Brute force
Feb. 12: No batsman in contemporary world cricket walks in with more assurance and arrogance. With Kevin Pietersen there are no half measures and his almost regal presence at the crease recalls shades of Sir Viv Richards and he sets about attacks from the word go. A brilliant double-hundred in Adelaide set the Ashes ball rolling for England but the fireworks strangely fizzled out in the one-day series. More reason for opponent to watch out for the start batsman, as there is no bigger adrenaline pump in sports than a bruised ego.
Strengths
Fearlessness: When Pietersen moved out of Natal for a career in English county cricket, few would have given him a chance to represent his adopted country but the ruthless batsman has continued his journey with the same attitude that capitulated him into the England squad. He generally reserves his best for the big stage and a tournament like the World Cup should bring out the best in him.
The hundred that came against the mighty Australians in 2007 before his rib was damaged by Glenn McGrath, was one of the better knocks in the Caribbean.
All-round batsman: There is no particular type of bowling that makes life uncomfortable for the tall right-hander. His wide range of shots and quicksilver running between the wickets make him a dangerous customer. He has been at home on the sub-continent pitches with his exemplary use of the feet against spinners.
He dances down the track to seamers with the same felicity and is not afraid to go over the top. The package he brings to the crease makes him deadly in flat conditions.
Weaknesses
Plays one shot too many: Much like India’s swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag, KP does not know to hold back. There have been many instances where he has let the team down by playing an extravagant stroke when it was not required. The 30-year-old minus his attacking instincts is nothing, hence it is important for KP to draw a line and start respecting the situation.
In his last three innings he has crossed 25 each time but has failed to go on to notch up big scores. A tighter introspection on shot selection would be of great help.
KP the bowler is no more: For a career that started with off-spin, Pietersen’s reluctance to bowl will be a major handicap. Given his contributions with the bat and razor-sharp fielding, his tidy off-breaks in India and Bangladesh would have come in handy for the team balance. Has bowled only in 18 matches out of the 110 played, could have done a lot more had he pursued the craft with genuine intent.
Face-off
KP versus Harbhajan Singh in Bengaluru should be a high-voltage contest. A batsman not willing to play the waiting game against an off-spinner who doesn’t give much away should add as a fascinating sub-plot to a high stakes game.
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