“The presence of KP is very important. When he walks out into the middle, his confidence and aura create immediate pressure on the bowling,” said Sangakkara.
“You have a fantastic player but there has been some controversy and strain in the relationship between him and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).”
Hope they iron out differences: Sangakkara
Speaking on the importance of having KP in the England side, he said: “I think the spectators want to watch KP in the middle and, when you have a batsman of that stature and ability, I reckon even the side would like him there.”
“It’s not my call to make but I just hope they iron out their differences. He’s an out-and-out match winner,” the 37-year old added.
Sangakkara is playing alongside Pietersen at Surrey in the County Championship. On the first day of the season-opener against Glamorgan on Sunday, they batted together for 37 minutes. Pietersen got out after scoring a 28-ball 19, but Sangakkara, who is making his first-class debut for Surrey, continued his good run of form from the World Cup with a 230-ball 149.
Pietersen hopes that a successful stint with Surrey can lead to a comeback into the England side.
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