Kevin Pietersen has expressed his disappointment over Harry Brook’s decision to pull out of the 2025 Indian Premier League, saying the young star missed a golden chance to fix a major weakness in his game.
Brook, who signed a £550,000 contract with the Delhi Capitals, opted out of the tournament for the second year in a row—this time to focus on his new role as England’s white-ball captain. The withdrawal followed his absence from last year’s IPL due to personal reasons, including the passing of his grandmother, which has now reportedly led to a two-year suspension from participating in the league.
Pietersen, currently serving as a batting consultant with the Capitals, admitted he was “bitterly disappointed” by Brook’s decision and had personally shared his feelings with him. “I was like, ‘Dude, I’m gutted that I can’t work with you for a few months,’” said the former England captain. “He’s clearly a star — you don’t hit one ball over extra cover and the next over midwicket unless you can seriously play.”
However, Pietersen believes Brook still has a significant technical flaw when facing spin in subcontinental conditions—particularly in India. “That’s a big flaw,” he said. “Two months here could have made all the difference.”
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Known for his flamboyant style and innovative shot-making, Pietersen was once a controversial figure during the early days of the IPL when English cricket was still warming up to the league. Today, however, English players are not only encouraged but often expected to participate.
Pietersen, whose post-retirement coaching and punditry work has influenced many young talents, said he was excited by the idea of helping Brook grow. “I would have worked with him just like I did with Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow early on,” he told Cricinfo. “Root turned out to be the greatest player of spin England’s ever had. I’m not saying that was all because of me, but we put in the hours together.”
England’s international summer kicks off on May 22 with a four-day Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
