Former England cricketer turned commentator Kevin Pietersen has openly admitted that the Antillean turn is an all-terrain vehicle Sunil Narine He proved me wrong with his sensational and record-breaking performance for the newly crowned champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024.
Narine had really miserable seasons with both bat and ball for KKR in the IPL. He scored a total of just 154 runs and scalped 36 wickets in the last three IPL seasons, but Gautam Gambhir’s return to KKR as a mentor has not only done wonders for the team but also for the mystery spinner.
Narine emerged as the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2024, contributing 488 runs and 17 wickets in KKR’s title triumph that came after a decade. He was on song all season, but early in the tournament, Pietersen criticized KKR’s decision to open with Narine, given his poor record in the last three or four seasons.
Kevin Pietersen takes a 180-degree turn on Sunil Narine’s performance in IPL 2024
However, it turned out to be a trump card for KKR. Pietersen has now praised Narine’s remarkable turnaround this season. The commentator further mentioned that the KKR all-rounder has demonstrated a batsman’s mentality and shots all over the wicket, scoring runs at an impressive average of 34 and a phenomenal strike rate of 180 in IPL 2024.
Praising his bowling, he said Narine was an absolute superstar with the ball for the Men in Purple and Gold this season. The Englishman also praised Narine’s adaptability and contributions, calling him the heart and soul of KKR.
Kevin Pietersen said on Star Sports’ Cricket Live show: “It’s surprising, it’s really surprising what Sunil Narine did, because I was one of the most vocal critics at the beginning of the tournament, saying that I didn’t like Narine at the top of the order because of his inconsistency. Usually, he would hit a six and then get out, breaking the momentum.
However, this season he has been consistent. He has thought like a hitter, hit like a hitter and got the runs of a hitter. He has played exceptionally well on both sides of the wicket. And of course, we don’t need to say much about his bowling: she is an absolute superstar. His ability to change his stock and still produce such impressive numbers is something extraordinary. He’s the heart and soul of this group, right?
Matthew Hayden praises Kevin Pietersen after his bold admission on Live TV
Meanwhile, former Australia opener and commentator Matthew Hayden admitted that Narine proved Pietersen wrong with his strong performance in IPL 2024. Hayden emphasized that as former players or cricket experts, their role is to offer honest analysis and they appreciate when players go beyond their expectations.
He also said that Narine demonstrated his skills as a genuine batsman with remarkable consistency and intent, reinforcing his status as one of the best players in the league. Matthew Hayden said on the same show: “All I heard from Kevin Pietersen in summary was that he was wrong about Sunil Narine. I mean, that’s what we’re designed to do as former players.
We have to call it like we see it. It’s as simple as that, but what you’ll see about Kevin and all of us is that when we’re wrong, we love to see the players prove themselves right. Absolutely. And that is exactly what Sunil Narine did in this IPL. He has been incredible, he is still there and he is still the best player.”