Pietersen will be missed as skipper

Updated on: 12 January,2009 08:23 AM IST |
Anand Sachar |

It comes as a huge shock that former England skipper Kevin Pietersen was forced to step down from captaincy.

WELL PLAYED: Former England captain Kevin Pietersen

There is more to it that meets the eye. When the England and Wales Cricket Board were aware of the differences between Pietersen and the coach, why did they keep him in the dark about sacking Peter Moores.

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With Pietersen's resignation, England has lost out on a dynamic captain. He instilled new vigour in the English side in his short stint as skipper, something that set him apart from many other skippers.u00a0

Under his captaincy, England managed to thrash the South Africans at home. They lost to India during their recent India tour, but it is said that Pietersen did not get support from senior members of the team.

Now, Andrew Strauss has been appointed captain of the team for the Tests and may also be asked to lead the one-day side. But leading England in the shorter version of the game would make little sense. A captain cannot command any respect, if he is not worthy of a place in the side.

Pietersen was a great skipper and he relished challenges. England should reappoint him. Cricket fans will miss seeing him in the driver's seat.

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