Kevin Pietersen steps down as Delhi Capitals' mentor ahead of IPL 2026

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has stepped down from his role as mentor of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Pietersen joined DC’s support staff ahead of IPL 2025, which was also his first coaching assignment in the tournament.

However, after just one year, Pietersen has stepped down from his role for the IPL 2026, reasoning that he can’t commit to the amount of time the role requires. However, he expressed his best wishes to the team for the season and also mentioned he will be back in the commentary box.

“I won’t be able to take up the role of mentor for Delhi Capitals this IPL season. I cannot commit the amount of time that the role requires. Wishing all the players the very best for the season! However, you will see me back in the commentary box! The IPL is the best league in the world, and I can’t wait to see all of you soon,” wrote Pietersen on his X account. 

Pietersen extensively worked with the youngsters during his tenure with Delhi Capitals, guiding the likes of Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma. Earlier, DC also appointed former England batter Ian Bell as an assistant coach of ahead of the upcoming season. Bell will join the coaching staff, which is headed by the Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, head coach Hemang Badani, fellow assistant coach Matthew Motts and bowling coach Munaf Patel.

DC to begin IPL 2026 campaign on April 1

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals have begun their preparations for IPL 2026 as the franchise is hosting a pre-season camp for all the players. The glimpses of the preparation camp are also being shared with their fans on social media. 

The IPL 2026 is all set to begin on March 28 with the opening fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals will begin their campaign on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana  Stadium in Lucknow.

They will further play their first home fixture at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 4.