Kevin Pietersen was one of the biggest stars to emerge from the England cricket team's recent Ashes triumph against Australia.
But casting aside the hype and the haircut, what is the man whose batting helped put the Aussies to the sword really like?
CBBC's Sportsround caught up with him to get a glimpse of the real KP.
ON BEING AN INTERNATIONAL CRICKETER
The outdoor life is my passion, it's my hobby, and yes it's my job, but I love every single thing about it.
There are not too many people who can wake up loving their work every single day. I think we're pretty fortunate.
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I enjoy the outdoor life. Whenever I have to dress up for a function in a collar and tie, I hate it. I feel claustrophobic.
ON BEING AN ALL-ROUNDER
It gives England an extra dimension so it's just a case of trying to improve.
I've spent a heck of a lot of time on my fitness, on the mental side of the game and on my batting, but it is about time I spent some time on my bowling.
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I'm going to be working really hard to become an all-rounder. I'm an off-spin bowler and I know I've been lazy.
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ON WHY HE DECIDED TO PLAY FOR ENGLAND
There's something called the quota system which assists the disadvantaged in South Africa, where a certain number of players need to play in certain teams.
It works in all teams and it's gone into the workplace, it's gone into business, it's gone into sports.
It doesn't give white people the fair opportunities they should have.
So I saw my opportunities in the UK, where selection is merit-based. I'm a British citizen and I've been over here for five years and it's the best decision I've ever made.
To begin with it was difficult. I was 20 years old and I came over here with no friends and no family, so I had to make do with what I had and still try to make a professional career out of it and be successful.
It's been a rough ride and a learning curve, but I think I've come out of it a well-rounded person.
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There are a lot of reasons. The selection in South Africa is not merit-based.
ON THE REAL KEVIN PIETERSEN
I get fidgety when I'm sat around doing nothing. All my patience is levelled into my cricket.
You have to be mentally tough and focused and that's who I am on the cricket field.
Once I'm out there I'm drilling myself into doing everything professionally and the best that I can.
I love what I do and I'm very professional. I always give myself the best opportunity to be successful. Hard work breeds success.
I don't go out and party with my friends if it's detrimental to my cricket. I'm fully focussed with my training and fully focussed with my play.
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I'm a sociable kind of bloke. I enjoy having a good time with my friends. I'm a hyperactive person, I'm always up and about.
Kevin Pietersen
I can't be by myself, I have to be with other people. I never watch movies, I can't go and sit in the cinema.
ON BRINGING ATTENTION ON HIMSELF
Just because I've got a stupid haircut or diamond earrings, it's not going to make me cover drive a ball any differently.
It doesn't make me talk any differently to somebody and it doesn't make me do anything differently to anybody.
Yes, you get the attention and yes, people say you put pressure on yourself.
Personally I do it because I like it. I don't do it because I want to be somebody. Who else walks around with a stupid haircut like mine?
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My hair doesn't make me play cricket any differently!