Chennai - England batsman Kevin Pietersen said on Monday he was saddened at having to pull out of the World Cup because he needs a hernia operation.
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"Sad to leave India.. Love the people & the hospitality!! Alvida doston (Goodbye friends)," he wrote on his Twitter account.
Earlier, he had confirmed his exit on the social networking site, saying: "Confirming the BREAKING NEWS mate: I fly home tonight. Out of the WC & IPL (Indian Premier League).. Absolutely devastated!!"
The England management have applied to the ICC to have Pietersen replaced by batsman Eoin Morgan.