Delhi Capitals have announced the appointment of former England captain Kevin Pietersen as their team mentor for the IPL 2025 season.
This move marks Pietersen’s return to the franchise, where he previously played as a player across two IPL seasons.
Background and Experience
Kevin Pietersen, known for his explosive batting style and leadership skills, has had a storied career in international cricket.
He captained England in 15 internationals and played a crucial role in their maiden ICC T20 World Cup victory in 2010.
In the IPL, Pietersen has played for several teams, including Delhi (then known as Delhi Daredevils), Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He even captained Delhi in the 2014 IPL season.
Role as Mentor
As a mentor, Pietersen will bring his vast experience and tactical acumen to the Delhi Capitals team.
He will work closely with the existing support staff, which includes Hemang Badani as head coach, Matthew Mott as assistant coach, Munaf Patel as bowling coach, and Venugopal Rao as director of cricket.
Pietersen’s role will involve guiding the players, providing strategic insights, and helping the team achieve their objectives.
Reaction from Delhi Capitals
The appointment of Kevin Pietersen has been welcomed by the Delhi Capitals management. Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman & Co-owner of Delhi Capitals, expressed his delight at Pietersen’s return, highlighting his passion for the franchise and his valuable experience.
Parth Jindal, Co-owner of Delhi Capitals, also praised Pietersen’s skills as a batter and his potential to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
Pietersen’s Comments
Pietersen has expressed his excitement about joining the Delhi Capitals in this new role.
He mentioned his fond memories of playing for the franchise and his eagerness to reconnect with Venugopal Rao, with whom he shared the field during the 2012 season.
Pietersen emphasized his commitment to helping the team win the ultimate prize in the IPL.
Team Dynamics and Preparations
Delhi Capitals have undergone significant changes ahead of the 2025 season.
They finished sixth in IPL 2024 and have since revamped their squad, retaining only a few players and making significant signings at the auction, including KL Rahul, Harry Brook, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc.
The team is yet to announce its captain for the upcoming season, although Axar Patel is rumored to be a strong contender for the role.
