Kevin Pietersen admits his blunder on Live TV as Sunil Narine shines bright in IPL 2024; Matthew Hayden comes to rescue the commentator

Former England cricketer-turned-commentator Kevin Pietersen has openly admitted that West Indian spin all-rounder Sunil Narine proved him wrong with his sensational and record-breaking performance for the newly-crowned champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024.

Narine had really miserable seasons with both the bat and ball for the KKR in the IPL. He scored a total of only 154 runs and scalped 36 wickets in the last three IPL seasons, but Gautam Gambhir’s return to the KKR as mentor has not only done wonders for the team but also for the mystery spinner.

Narine emerged as the Most Valuable Player of the IPL 2024, contributing 488 runs and 17 wickets in KKR’s title triumph that came after one decade. He was on the song throughout the season, but earlier in the tournament, Pietersen criticized KKR’s decision to open with Narine, given his poor track record in the past three to four seasons.

Kevin Pietersen takes a U-turn on Sunil Narine's IPL 2024 performance

However, he turned out a triumphant card for the KKR. Pietersen has now hailed Narine's remarkable turnaround this season. The commentator further mentioned that the KKR all-rounder has shown a batter's mindset and shots all around the wicket, scoring runs at an impressive average of 34 and a phenomenal strike rate of 180 in the IPL 2024.

Praising his bowling, he said that 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 the KKR.

Kevin Pietersen said on Star Sports show Cricket Live: “It is amazing, it really is amazing what Sunil Narine did, because I was one of the most vocal critics at the start of the tournament, saying I didn't like Narine at the top of the order due to his inconsistency. He typically would hit a six and then get out, disrupting the momentum.

However, this season, he has been consistent. He’s thought like a batter, batted like a batter, and got the runs of a batter. He’s played both sides of the wicket exceptionally well. And, of course, we don't need to say much about his bowling—he is an out-and-out superstar. His ability to change his action and still produce such impressive numbers is quite something. He is the heart and soul of this outfit, isn't he?”

Matthew Hayden lauds 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 the IPL 2024. Hayden stressed 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 showed his skills as a genuine batter 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 I was wrong about Sunil Narine. I mean, that's what we're designed to do as former players.

We have to call it as 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 players prove themselves right. Absolutely. And that's exactly what Sunil Narine’s done this IPL. He's been amazing, he's still there and he's still the best player.”