Goswami is a little Jack Russell: Pietersen

Shreevats Goswami was likened to a little Jack Russell by Kevin Pietersen soon after the Royal Challengers Bangalore recorded their second win in the 2009 edition of the Indian Premier League

Goswami is a little Jack Russell: Pietersen

Shreevats Goswami was likened to a little Jack Russell (former England wicket-keeper) by Kevin Pietersen soon after the Royal Challengers Bangalore recorded their second win in the 2009 edition of the Indian Premier League against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Kingsmead yesterday.

Pietersen lavished praise on the little India under-19 wicket-keeper batsman, who was one of his stars in the win against the Knight Riders. Goswami scored 43 off 46 balls and associated in a 69-run opening partnership with Jacques Kallis which set-up the Challenger's victory.

"That opening stand and a wonderful catch Goswami took of Gayle told me a lot about his character, his passion and his amazing love for this game," Pietersen said in a post-match conference.

Goswami, who was one of the key elements in India's under-19 World Cup triumph in Malaysia last year and who had a very successful tour of South Africa with the Indian under-19 squad, used his knowledge to make things work not only for himself but for the Royal Challengers.u00a0

"This little cricketer is an amazing man. He has good heart it was in the right place for a captain who was still getting to know his players and he has cricketing mind that boggles you," Pietersen said after his side secured a five-wicket win in one of the tightest games seen here in the last week and half.

The former England captain first got to know Goswami about two weeks ago in Johannesburg and the little Indian, born in Kolkata, was around him all the time as Goswami informed him of the players who were part of the squad, the venues around South Africa and the types of pitches one would encounter during the IPL.

"He was a great help to me - I have to admit that. He was around me all the time like a little Jack Russell, who would not leave his master while out of a walk. I just loved everything he brought to my attention it was knowledgeable, as he had previously visited South Africa. It was not that I did not know the things he said I was born here but there were little issues (important ones to use on my way through the games) that made an impression on me."

Pietersen said if he had more Goswami's around, life as a captain would be so much easier and successful.

No sooner had Pietersen, who was born in KwaZulu-Natal and learned his cricket in Durban and Pietermaritzburg before heading off to England, left his previous "home ground" to head for the airport en route to London to join the England squad for their Test series against the West Indies starting next Wednesday.