• England in India 2012

Morgan: I play better with KP in the team

Eoin Morgan believes he plays better when Kevin Pietersen is in the team © Getty Images

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Eoin Morgan insists every player in the England dressing room is relieved that Kevin Pietersen has come out of international exile as they prepare for their tour of India.

With Alastair Cook set for his first challenge as skipper, the England squad departed for Dubai on Thursday before they transfer to India next week ahead of the first Test on November 15.

Former captain Andrew Strauss, who retired in the wake of the controversy surrounding Pietersen and the text-messaging saga, warned this week that the batsman's reintegration could be "a real problem".

But Morgan, recalled to the Test squad after missing the summer series against South Africa and West Indies, believes Pietersen's confidence rubs off on other members of the team.

"To have him back in the side is great," Morgan told Sky Sports News. "The imposing player that he is, his confidence and the way in which he plays, rubs off on everybody around him. Me personally, I love batting with the guy so he helps my game.

"Everyone in the changing room will be happy with what has gone on and the decisions that have been made and I think we have got to draw a line under what has happened and move on."

Batsman Gautam Gambhir refused to be drawn into commenting on the controversial batsman, but he insisted India were not out for revenge after suffering a 4-0 whitewash in England last summer.

"When we play against them it's about winning the series rather than thinking with that mindset of taking revenge because then you are putting pressure on yourself," he said.

"When two good teams play it's about getting those big moments in your favour, and the team that wins those big moments I think will end up winning the series. But the most important thing is we need to start off well.

"England we all know are a very good side - they are No. 2 side in the world - so we need to be up for the challenge because we know they are going to come hard at us. If we can just weather that storm and try and be strong and mentally ready for everything they will throw at us we will definitely do well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.