Never liked Kevin Pietersen but wanted him in the team: Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann retired from international cricket back in 2013 after England lost Ashes to Australia by 0-5.

Kevin Pietersen, the former England cricketer was a controversial figure while he was playing in international cricket. Even his illustrious career also ended on a bad note after his fallout with England Cricket Board. But, it cannot change the fact that he was one of the best batsmen ever played for the Three Lions.

He was disliked by many in the team but still got backing due to his batting talent. And, Graeme Swann, former England spinner has also given his opinion over the same, who accepted that he never admired Pietersen as an individual but liked him as a batsman.

Graeme Swann and Kevin Pietersen played together for England for a very long time. Interestingly, the duo was at the centrestage during England’s historic Test series in India in 2012. But they were never on good terms with each other as teammates

Graeme Swann makes some strong revelations in a podcast

In a podcast, Graeme Swann said that his side wanted to be number one in the world and it is a fact that every team has some players who focus on their individual performances. But that doesn’t matter until the team is doing well and giving their best in the games according to the former spinner. “We are a team that got to number one in the world, and in a team, there are always going to be individuals. Ninety-nine per cent of that side were all in it for the team.” Swann told in the podcast called ‘In the Pink’.

He added that Pietersen and him were quiet similar personalities, who used to be brutally honest on the face of each other. As per him, they never liked each other as an individual but as a cricketer they both wanted each other to play. “We were actually very similar in that way, and we actually got on me and KP professionally better than most people because we very honest with but openly disliked each other. But wanted each other in the team.” Swann said.

Graeme Swann cleared that he wanted Kevin Pietersen because he was the best batsmen in the team, rather in the world. “I wanted KP in the team because he was scoring a lot of runs and playing really well, and simply he was one of the best batsmen in the world.” the 41-year-old added.