IPL 2024

Here’s the role Kevin Pietersen will take up in IPL 2026 after leaving mentor job at Delhi Capitals

By Sandy Verma

Kevin Pietersen has been one of the more recognizable faces in the Delhi Capitals setup over the past year. The former England international joined the DC support staff ahead of IPL 2025 and spent the season working closely with the squad.

IPL 2026 starts on March 28 and DC open their campaign on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants. Kevin Pietersen announced on March 14 that he will not be part of the DC setup this season but he is not walking away from IPL 2026 entirely. He told everyone exactly where he would be and what he would be doing instead.

Why Kevin Pietersen left and what he said about it

Kevin Pietersen made the announcement on X on March 14 and kept it simple. “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 cannot wait to see all of you soon.”

Delhi Capitals replied warmly. “Thank you for all your positivity, hard work and love last year legend. We’ll enjoy watching you cheer us on from the comms box this season. Roar macha.” Kevin Pietersen had joined the DC setup under head coach Hemang Badani ahead of IPL 2025 and was credited with helping stabilize the dressing room and mentoring breakout players like Ashutosh Sharma. Delhi finished fifth and did not make the playoffs. This season he will be in the commentary box instead.

The coaching staff Delhi Capitals are going into IPL 2026 with

Kevin Pietersen’s exit leaves a gap in the DC backroom but the support staff they are going into IPL 2026 with is one of the more experienced setups in the league. Hemang Badani continues as head coach with Venugopal Rao overseeing the entire cricketing operation as Director of Cricket.

Ian Bell has been appointed as assistant coach in February 2026, reuniting with Badani who is also his boss at Southern Brave in The Hundred. Matthew Mott, the former England white-ball coach, is also part of the setup bringing significant tactical experience at the highest level. Munaf Patel, the 2011 World Cup winner, is in charge of the pace attack as bowling coach.

Also READ: IPL 2026 jerseys: A look at kits of all 10 teams ahead of new season

What the DC squad looks like for IPL 2026

Delhi are entering IPL 2026 under a new captain. Axar Patel takes over the armband following Rishabh Pant’s move to Lucknow Super Giants. The squad has been significantly strengthened in batting through the Abu Dhabi mini auction with David Miller, Ben Duckett and Pathum Nissanka all coming in to add depth and firepower across the order.

Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav have both been retained giving DC one of the more balanced bowling attacks in the competition. Starc at the top with the new ball and Kuldeep through the middle overs is a combination that works on most surfaces and gives Axar Patel genuine options in both phases of the game. DC play their first match of IPL 2026 on April 1 against LSG. Pietersen will be watching from the commentary box.

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