McCullum wants Pietersen to continue to push the boundaries and challenge both himself and the playing group as they thrive to improve and do everything they can to achieve that second World Cup title they so desperately want next year.
“That (Pietersen’s comments on England’s players) was one of the first things we talked about,” McCullum said.
“He said ‘gee, I was just criticising you not long ago’.
“I said I don’t care about that. Some of it’s fair and some of it would need some explanation, but I have no problem with that.
“It’s healthy when you create an environment where you’re able to challenge.
“That’s one thing I want him to do. It’s not just bury himself in the batting per se, but look across the entire environment, look across how we run things and what we do, and if there’s anything you pick up then just come and challenge me on it.
“Him and I get on well. We had natural respect playing against each other and we spent a bit of time together in the last little while, and I’m super excited to have him as part of our support staff as well.”