Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has insisted that he does not need to prove anything to anyone ahead of his return to competitive cricket.
Pietersen has been the subject of intense media attention since having his international career brought to an abrupt end in February.
The 33-year-old will captain the Delhi Daredevils in this month's Indian Premier League and he claims that he is relishing the challenge.
"I'm not out here to make any point and neither do I play cricket for that reason," Pietersen told reporters.
"I find the opportunity of again playing in the IPL really nice especially because I missed the last season due to injury and also due to the fact that I absolutely love the competition.
"I've played in every part of the world and after playing for almost a decade, I don't think I need to prove anything to anyone."
Pietersen's Delhi side begin their IPL campaign with a match against Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday, April 17.
Robert Summerscales
