Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has responded to the controversy surrounding a viral photograph featuring India cricketer Shubman Gill and head coach Rahul Dravid posing with a rhino during their visit to a wildlife zone in South Africa. The image, capturing the Indian cricketers and support staff ahead of IND vs SA alongside an immobile rhino, sparked a divided opinion on social media.
Kevin Pietersen clears air on the viral photo ahead of IND vs SA
The photograph includes Shubman Gill, Rahul Dravid, fielding coach T Dilip, batting coach Vikram Rathour, and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, all posing with the rhino. This image gained widespread attention following India’s cricket team’s African Safari as part of their ongoing tour of South Africa. Shubman Gill had earlier shared snapshots of his safari experience, including a selfie with a lion spotted from a distance.
On social media, questions arose regarding whether the rhino had been tranquilized to facilitate the photo session with the endangered animal. Some expressed surprise and concern that someone of Rahul Dravid’s stature participated in posing with an endangered species.
In response to the controversy, Kevin Pietersen, known for his charitable efforts with SORAI (Save Our Rhinos in Africa and India), aimed at rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned or injured rhinos while promoting awareness about their conservation, shared his perspective on the viral photo.
“This would be a part of a program that’s being ethically run through a trusted conservation org. This animal wouldn’t be darted for photos with people. To say or imply this is truly misleading and discredits the wonderful conservation orgs in SA that are trying to save this iconic species,” Pietersen said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Pietersen has consistently been an outspoken advocate for urgent conservation action, utilizing his prominent status to educate the public and garner support. Leveraging his extensive social media presence and actively participating in documentaries such as National Geographic’s ‘Save This Rhino – India,’ Pietersen has played a crucial role in bringing attention to the plight of rhinos. India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, has also joined efforts to raise awareness about rhino conservation through various campaigns.
