Kevin Pietersen heaped praise on Mumbai’s improved air quality, describing it as the “best I’ve ever experienced” after the city saw a sharp drop in its Air Quality Index (AQI).
In an interview with X, Pietersen wrote: “The air quality in Mumbai is so good. It is the best I have ever experienced! I congratulate the management for putting in place the necessary measures to achieve this excellent air quality.”
His remarks come at a time when parts of Mumbai have recorded AQI levels as high as 21, putting the city firmly in the ‘good’ category – a relatively rare occurrence in the densely populated metropolitan area.
AQI values between 0 and 50 are considered “good” and indicate minimal impact on health. In Mumbai, which has oscillated between “moderate” and “poor” air quality in recent years due to vehicular emissions, construction activity and seasonal factors, such a decline has drawn widespread attention.
Many residents shared similar sightings on social media, posting images of clearer skies and improved visibility. The phase of cleaner air created optimism among citizens, and some hoped that permanent policy measures could help maintain such conditions in the long term.
But Pietersen’s post also sparked a heated online exchange after one user accused him of being paid to post favorable remarks about Mumbai’s air quality.
Pietersen strongly responded to the allegations, writing: “You think I get paid to post about air quality? Are you crazy? If I notice something and it really stands out and means something to me, I’ll tweet it! Also – that number is wrong. It’s around 40 today, which is fantastic!”
His blunt response quickly gained traction, with many users supporting the former cricketer for labeling what they believed to be a baseless claim. Others have pointed out that public figures often face increased scrutiny online, even when sharing personal insights.
Pietersen clarified that his comments were purely based on what he had experienced and were not part of any endorsement. While he admitted that AQI levels may have fluctuated slightly from the previously reported number of 21 to around 40, he maintained that air quality remained significantly better than usual.
The episode underscores the broader dynamic of social media, where even positive remarks can spark skepticism and debate. It also reflects how environmental conditions in major cities are increasingly becoming part of public discourse, attracting reactions not only from residents but also from world figures.
Meanwhile, environmental experts have urged caution in interpreting short-term improvements. While the decline in AQI is encouraging, these changes are often influenced by temporary factors such as wind patterns, temperature, and reduced emissions over short periods.
Sustained clean air, they note, would require consistent policy interventions, tighter emissions controls and long-term urban planning measures.
