All-rounders will be effective in T20: Pietersen

Being a big-hitter himself, England’s star player Kevin Pietersen says he likes the way other ferocious batsmen like Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gayle dominate the attack and feels that all-rounders will be effective in the Twenty20 format.

The game of cricket has undergone many changes over the years and Pietersen’s contribution has been the switch-hit shot. The aggressive batsman effectively changed his stance from a right-hander to a left-hander and to everyone’s surprise cleared the fence on two occasions against New Zealand last year.

The reverse slog-sweep shot has become very popular since Pietersen first tried it but not many have been able to master it as well as him.

Shots like these and many similar innovations have taken the game to the next level and Pietersen feels that all-rounders will be very effective in the Twenty20 version of the game.

“There are a number of players taking T20 to the next level. I think all-rounders have the most to offer in T20 cricket," Pietersen was quoted as saying.

“I'm impressed by the likes of Yuvraj Singh of India - and other guys who can hit sixes, take wickets and generally field well," said the South Africa-born batsman, who captained England before handing over the reigns to Strauss.

Pietersen considers West Indies captain Chris Gayle as the most destructive batsman in Twenty20 cricket.

"I rate Chris Gayle very highly - quite simply because his batting can tear apart even the best bowling. When he is in the groove, he is practically unstoppable. It's scary to watch him in full flight," he was quoted as saying by The Sun.

Among the bowlers, Pietersen rated Brett Lee, Dale Steyn and Fidel Edwards as the toughest to face.

"The likes of Lee, Edwards and Steyn are probably the toughest bowlers. They are world-class pace bowlers and are difficult to face across all forms of the game and certainly no easier in T20," he said.