Noida: Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest ever to have played cricket, while Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag too are magnificent players, said Kevin Pietersen during an interaction with the students of Amity University here on Thursday.

When asked about his team’s strategy against the Master Blaster when Delhi Daredevils meet Mumbai Indians on Friday, the swashbuckling England batsman said, "Sachin is a magnificent player. He is the greatest player ever played. In Twenty20, anything can happen. It's hard to predict result and we will try to win two points.”

Talking about his inspiration in cricket, Pietersen said that though he has his favourites, he does not follow anyone in particular. “I don't follow anybody in particular. I grew up in South Africa and loved watching Jonty Rhodes, Hansie Cronje. I liked watching Mark Waugh bat. There are others who I enjoy watching play, but I can't be somebody else.”

When asked to compare Lords with Ferozeshah Kotla, the home ground of Delhi Daredevils, Pietersen said both the grounds are different from each other. “Lords is a traditional English ground. The crowds are knowledgeable there. Here the crowd is different. Kotla is intense, loud and I love and respect them,” said Pietersen.

In all praise for Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, Pietersen feels India were lucky to have two great batsmen in Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag playing at the same time. “Rahul is magnificent player. It is a privilege to have played with these players. India is lucky to have these great men. It's great to play in Bangalore and Delhi," he said.

Pietersen als gave tips to budding cricketers.

Indian Sports News