Pietersen 'author' of own downfall for feeling he deserved 'god-like' status of Sachin, Lara: Report

Sacked England batsman Kevin Pietersen was the author of his own downfall as he felt that he deserved the sort of status bestowed upon the likes of legends like India's Sachin Tendulkar and West Indies' Brian Lara, according to a report.

The Mirror reports that the Pietersen has been the only 'common denominator' in every fallout that England has suffered, for which he can never be absolved of blame, adding that his text messages to South African players, his contempt, abuse and his desire to put IPL riches almost before told their own story.

The report mentioned that Pietersen's cricketing ability often led to the overlooking of his worst traits of selfishness, aloofness, arrogance, and rudeness, adding that his mistake and probably his greatest flaw was not to adapt and soften as his powers of greatness began to decrease.

Stating that Pietersen felt he deserved the same god-like status accorded to the likes of Lara and Sachin, the report however, said that during the Ashes winter Pietersen 'overplayed his hand' as there were very few runs to back up the behaviour, which ultimately lead to this acrimonious split from the team.

The report also said that if Pietersen truly valued playing for England above all else, he would have mellowed and conformed to the desires of the captain and coach, but instead he stayed apart right to the end.

The report concluded that Pietersen would know that he himself was responsible for his ultimate international demise when he is 'smashing second rate Indian bowlers' around the park in 'meaningless matches' for huge sums of money.