Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has resigned from his role as mentor of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Announcing the decision on his official social media handle, Pietersen stated that he could not commit the time required for the role.
Pietersen was appointed DC’s mentor ahead of the 2025 season, joining a backroom staff that included Hemang Badani (head coach), Matthew Mott (assistant coach), Munaf Patel (bowling coach), and Venugopal Rao (director of cricket).
On March 14, Pietersen shared a post in Hindi on his X handle confirming he would not continue as DC’s mentor for the upcoming season, which begins on March 28. He added that he would remain part of the commentary team. Pietersen 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!”
The official DC X handle thanked Pietersen for his “positivity, hard work, and love” during IPL 2025. Last season, led by Axar Patel, the Capitals began strongly, winning their first four matches, but eventually faltered and missed out on the playoffs.
Kevin Pietersen’s IPL Career
A prolific T20 batter, Pietersen played 36 IPL matches between 2009 and 2016, scoring 1,001 runs at an average of 37.07 and a strike rate of 134.72, including one century and four half-centuries. He represented DC, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Rising Pune Supergiant during his IPL career.
His best IPL innings came for Delhi against Deccan Chargers at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in April 2012, where he scored an unbeaten 103 off 64 balls, including six fours and nine sixes, helping Delhi chase 158 in 19.1 overs with five wickets in hand.
Pietersen’s charisma and batting flair continue to make him a fan favourite, and his commentary presence in IPL 2026 promises to keep audiences engaged.
