Former Kevin Pietersen has stepped down from his role as mentor of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Sharing the news through a post on social media, he explained that he would not be able to dedicate the amount of time the role demands.
Pietersen had been appointed as the franchise’s mentor before the 2025 IPL season. He became part of the team’s support staff that included Hemang Badani as head coach, Matthew Mott as assistant coach, Munaf Patel as bowling coach, and Venugopal Rao as director of cricket.
On Saturday, March 14, Pietersen confirmed his decision on his official X account through a post written in Hindi, stating that he would not continue as DC’s mentor for the upcoming season, which begins on March 28. However, he mentioned that he will still be involved with the tournament as part of the commentary panel.
The former England batting star wrote:
“I cannot be a mentor for Delhi Capitals in this IPL season. I cannot commit to the time that the job requires. Best wishes to all the players for this season! However, I’ll see you back in the commentary box! IPL is the world’s best league and I can’t wait to see all of you soon!”
🚨 समाचार 🚨
मैं आईपीएल के इस सीजन में दिल्ली कैपिटल्स के लिए मेंटर नहीं बन सकता।
मैं उस समय के लिए प्रतिबद्ध नहीं हो सकता, जो काम की आवश्यकता है।
सभी खिलाड़ियों को इस सीजन के लिए शुभकामनाएं! ❤️
हालांकि मैं आपको कॉम बॉक्स में वापस देखूंगा! आईपीएल दुनिया की सबसे अच्छी लीग है…
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) March 14, 2026
The official X account of Delhi Capitals responded to the post by Kevin Pietersen and expressed gratitude for his “positivity, dedication and support” during the Indian Premier League 2025 season. Under the captaincy of Axar Patel, the Capitals began their campaign strongly, securing victories in their first four matches.
However, the team struggled to maintain that momentum after the promising start and ultimately missed out on a place in the playoffs.
Kevin Pietersen’s Journey In The Indian Premier League
A highly sought-after T20 batter during his playing career, Kevin Pietersen featured in 36 matches in the Indian Premier League between 2009 and 2016. During that period, he amassed 1,001 runs at an average of 37.07 and a strike rate of 134.72, including one century and four half-centuries.
The former England skipper represented Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Rising Pune Supergiant in the tournament. His highest IPL score, an unbeaten 103, came while playing for the Delhi franchise against Deccan Chargers at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi in April 2012.
In that match, Pietersen struck six fours and nine sixes during his 64-ball innings, helping Delhi chase down a target of 158 in 19.1 overs with five wickets remaining.
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