Kevin Pietersen expresses desire to lead Delhi Daredevils

Bangalore: Controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen, whose England career came to an abrupt end after a disastrous Ashes campaign earlier this month, on Thursday expressed desire to lead the Delhi Daredevils in the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League.

Pietersen was bought for a whopping Rs 9 crore (USD 1.5 million) by the Delhi franchise on the opening day of the IPL players` auction here yesterday, using its `Rights to Match` card. "I would like to be in a leadership role in some way, whether it is captaincy or helping out the leader and the youngsters in the team," Pietersen told the presenter of the players` auction broadcaster via a telephonic conversation. Pietersen said he was thrilled to be back with the Delhi Daredevils, which he termed as his `family`. "It feels great to be with the Delhi family. We have got a strong team this time around. It is now a matter of gelling together as a unit," said Pietersen. Pietersen was a part of the Daredevils team last season as well. Asked if he felt that he has been loved more in India after what happened back home, Pietersen replied, "I don`t know. It feels that way at the moment." The 33-year-old flamboyant batsman said he was looking forward to work with the former India coach Gary Kirsten. "Gary has an outstanding cricketing brain. He is one of the coaches I wanted to work with. Hopefully, we will have a great run under him," said Pietersen.