Former England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen has shared his observations on India's remarkable transformation, emphasizing the country's growing confidence and ambition during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. Reflecting on his first visit in 2003, Pietersen noted a palpable shift towards a more self-assured and competitive nation.
A Quarter-Century of Leadership and Change
Pietersen's reflections come as PM Modi completes 25 years as a head of government, a longevity he described as extraordinary in a vibrant democracy. Having first visited India when Modi was already Chief Minister of Gujarat, Pietersen has witnessed nearly two decades of the country's evolution firsthand.
“What strikes me most today is the confidence palpable everywhere in the country — a cheerful self-belief in its own destiny,” Pietersen wrote, contrasting it with a perceived diffidence in earlier years. He added, “Indians today think bigger and compete harder. They expect more from themselves and from their country.”
Evidence of Growth: From Sports to Infrastructure
This renewed self-belief is particularly evident in India's sporting landscape, according to Pietersen. He pointed to the burgeoning depth of Indian cricket, the rise of women's cricket, and the nation's increasing prominence across various sports like athletics, shooting, wrestling, boxing, badminton, hockey, and tennis.
Beyond sports, Pietersen highlighted significant advancements in infrastructure, technology, and digital payments. He cited examples like Gujarat's world's largest cricket stadium and the world's tallest statue as symbols of India's new scale of thinking. “You don’t build things on that scale by thinking small. Whatever one thinks of PM Modi politically, there is clearly an instinct in him to think in terms of scale and possibility,” he stated.
Conservation efforts, such as the successful return of the cheetah and the protection of Asiatic lions, also drew praise from the former cricketer.
The Enduring Appeal of India
Despite the infrastructural and economic changes, Pietersen affirmed that the people remain the core reason for his enduring affection for India. “When I was asked what I liked most about India, my answer was easy: the people. The people are still the reason I keep coming back,” he said.
Pietersen concluded by expressing his optimism for India's future journey: “The India I see today is a country that knows where it wants to go and believes it can get there. This journey will be a wonderful thing to witness.”