Former England Captain Kevin Pietersen took to social media and lavished praise on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pietersen hailed the Indian PM's efforts and expressed gratitude for his work as India made rapid strides.

The former England batter hailed PM Modi as a global hero while appreciating the work that India has put up in rhino conservation. Pietersen shared an image that claimed that the rhino population in India has increased by 500% in the last 60 years.

"Thank you,@narendramodifor your commitment to conservation and for the numbers we read below.

A true global HERO in the world of conservation.Incredible numbers!," wrote Pietersen on X.

For those unversed, Pietersen has been actively involved in rhinoceros conservation projects. The 2010 T20 World Cup-winner also has own dedicated charity for the initiative named SORAI (Save our Rhino’s in Africa and India) which aims to 'rescue and rehabilitate abandoned or injured rhinos,'

Pietersen is currently in India and working with the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). The England cricket legend was appointed as the franchise's mentor ahead of the 18th edition and is part of the coaching staff alongside head coach Hemang Badani. This is Pietersen's first-ever coaching job in the IPL.

Over the last few years, Pietersen has been regularly visiting India during the IPL and was part of the broadcasting and commentatory teams.

Pietersen shares a long assocation with the Delhi-based franchise having played for them from 2012 to 2014. He also captained them in the 2014 campaign. The England cricket star also played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2009 and 2010) and briefly led them to.

Pietersen is among England's greatest-ever cricketers. He played 104 Test matches for the national team and scored 8141 runs at an average of 47.28 with 23 centuries. He also played 136 ODIs and made 4400 runs with an average of 40.73. Pietersen won the Player of the Tournament (POTM) award in the 2010 T20 World Cup.