The Melbourne Stars are in freefall following a six-wicket Big Bash League derby loss to the Renegades.
After coasting to the win with 13 balls to spare on Saturday night at the MCG, the Renegades went top with a 4-1 record and the Stars are bottom on 0-4.
But Kevin Pietersen is typically defiant, saying the Stars are one big individual performance away from turning their season around.
Pointing to the talent in their squad, Pietersen said it was not all doom and gloom.
The Stars have made the finals in every BBL season, but the top four looks a long way off after Saturday night's comprehensive loss.
"I've played in too many of these franchises over the years," Pietersen said.
"Sometimes, you get on a roll winning and sometimes, you get on a roll losing.
"It can change with one innings, it can change with one spell of bowling.
"Somebody of the form and class that is in our dressing room can change a season around."
Pietersen said the Stars must look at winning all six of their remaining matches and see where that leaves them.
"I've never in my whole career stood back and said 'there's no hope'," he said.
"I mean, I've been in the darkest times of my career and I've never, ever, ever not committed to trying to win.
"This is no different - this is really important, to try to get what we can."
He said there is always plenty of expectation on the Stars and they should embrace it.
"I played with that expectation, the weight of expectation, every single time I batted, so it's something I enjoy, it's something I thrive on," he said.
"It's about standing up and being counted.
Pietersen scored 40 from 30 balls on Saturday night and Ben Dunk returned to form with a top score of 47.
But the Stars lost their way when Pietersen was dismissed midway through the innings, ending his 71-run partnership with Dunk.
Pietersen said he was annoyed when man of the match Mohammad Nabi dismissed him, adding he should have hit the ball for six.
The Englishman, who announced this year would be his last, did not field after hurting his ankle while batting, but hopes to play in Tuesday's Adelaide Oval match against the Strikers.
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