IPL 2026: Kevin PIetersen steps down as Delhi Capitals’ mentor

Days before the start of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), former England batter Kevin Pietersen has decided to pull out of his mentor role with the Delhi Capitals (DC). 

Pietersen, who spent last season with the DC as part of their support staff, had a great bond with the players like KL Rahul and Ashutosh Sharma. Last season, the 45-year-old was seen embracing the players after their various innings.

The former player-turned-coach, however, took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his decision to step down from the mentorship role. This comes just two weeks before the start of the tournament with DC set to play their first game on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants. 

In his brief social media statement, Pietersen stated that he cannot commit to the position at the current stage before wishing the players well and announcing that he would be part of the English commentary panel this season. 

“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!”

It is worth mentioning that Pietersen has represented DC before when they were called the Delhi Daredevils. He played two seasons for them in 2012 and 2014 and went on to score 599 in 19 matches. 

As things stand, former India player Hemang Badani is the head coach of the DC side heading into the 2026 IPL season. Earlier this year, it was also announced that former England top order batter Ian Bell is set to take up the position of assistant coach. Former India bowler Munaf Patel, meanwhile, continues his role as the bowling coach at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium. 

The team from the capital city finished fifth in the IPL last time around, just one point off the playoff positions.