Ex-England skipper Kevin Pietersen has joined the Delhi Capitals as a mentor ahead of IPL 2025 and will link up with Hemang Badani (head coach), Matthew Mott (assistant coach), Munaf Patel (bowling coach) and Venugopal Rao (director of cricket) in the franchise's backroom. It will also be the first foray into coaching for the 44-year-old.
Pietersen was notably part of the Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) from IPL 2012 to 2014 and accumulated 672 runs in 23 matches, averaging 37.33 alongside a strike rate of 131.50 and had a best of 103*. However, the right-handed batter hasn't played in the cash-rich league since 2016.
With the Capitals one of the few franchises yet to win the coveted trophy, Pietersen hopes to end their drought this year. He said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:
"It's an exciting opportunity to step into this new role as a mentor for the Capitals. And I'm really looking forward to joining the squad, working closely with the boys, and doing everything I can to help us win that ultimate prize."
"It's great to be reconnecting with him" - Kevin Pietersen on reuniting with Venugopal Rao
Pietersen, who worked as a commentator in the IPL over the years, stated that he has maintained great passion for the franchise despite not being associated with the franchise.
"I've got incredible memories of representing the Delhi franchise in the IPL, and I've been able to maintain that passion for the team even as a broadcaster over the years. I shared the field with Venu (Venugopal Rao) during the 2012 season, and it's great to be reconnecting with him as we begin a new chapter at this amazing franchise."
Having released Rishabh Pant before the auction, the franchise is yet to appoint a captain. They haven't reached the playoffs since the 2021 edition.
