Delhi Capitals appoints Kevin Pietersen as team mentor for IPL

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen is appointed as the team mentor for Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL.
| Photo Credit: AP

In a high-profile addition to its support staff ahead of the Indian Premier League’s 18th edition, which starts on March 22, Delhi Capitals (DC) announced the appointment of England great Kevin Pietersen as team mentor on Thursday (February 27, 2025). The 44-year-old will be part of a backroom contingent that includes head coach Hemang Badani, assistant coach Matthew Mott and bowling coach Munaf Patel. Venugopal Rao is the director of cricket at the IPL franchise.

Pietersen, a destructive batter in his heyday, played 104 Tests, 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is for England, notably winning the 2010 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. He was also part of the IPL for five seasons, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals and the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants. He was part of the Delhi franchise, known then as Delhi Daredevils, in 2012 and 2014. DC is one of three current teams never to win the IPL. 

“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,” Pietersen said.

“I’ve got a great relationship with the owners and the Delhi Capitals fans, so when this idea came about, it was a very quick yes from me,” he revealed. “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.”