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Kevin Pietersen Steps Down as Delhi Capitals Mentor Ahead of IPL 2026

Kevin Pietersen has announced he is stepping down from his role as mentor for the Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2026 season, stating he cannot commit the necessary time. The franchise bid him a fond farewell, calling him a "Dilliwala" in a social media tribute. Pietersen confirmed he will return to the Indian Premier League in the commentary box for the upcoming season. The news comes as the BCCI announced the initial schedule for IPL 2026, which will be impacted by state assembly elections.

Key Points: Kevin Pietersen Steps Down as Delhi Capitals Mentor

  • Pietersen steps down as DC mentor
  • Cites inability to commit required time
  • Will return as IPL 2026 commentator
  • DC bids farewell with "Dilliwala" tribute
  • IPL 2026 first phase schedule announced
2 min read

'Once a Dilliwala, always a Dilliwala,' says Delhi Capitals after Pietersen steps down as mentor ahead of IPL 2026

Kevin Pietersen resigns as Delhi Capitals mentor, citing time commitment. He will return as an IPL 2026 commentator.

"I cannot be a mentor for Delhi Capitals in this IPL season. I can't commit to the time that the job requires. - Kevin Pietersen"

New Delhi, March 15

Delhi Capitals bid farewell to the team's now-former mentor Kevin Pietersen after the England veteran announced on Saturday that he was stepping down from his role, stating that he could not commit the time it requires. The 45-year-old, however, will be back in the commentary box for the Indian Premier League 2026.

DC had appointed Pietersen for the role in February last year, for the 2025 edition of the tournament, as he worked alongside the support staff, which included Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, Head Coach Hemang Badani, Assistant Coach Matthew Mott and Bowling Coach Munaf Patel.

The England veteran took to X on Saturday to share the news, saying, "I cannot be a mentor for Delhi Capitals in this IPL season. I can't 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 franchise shared an edit for Pietersen on Sunday, captioning it, "Once a Dilliwala, always a Dilliwala. Thank you for all the love & roars, KP." The former England cricketer also reacted to their post by dropping a heart emoji.

Earlier this week, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026.

"As three states are scheduled to undergo State Assembly elections during this period, the full schedule of the tournament will be announced once the poll dates are announced," BCCI said in a statement.

The 19th edition of the biggest T20 league on the globe will commence with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

A total of 20 matches will be played across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
"Once a Dilliwala, always a Dilliwala" - what a lovely way to send him off! It shows the franchise values relationships beyond just contracts. The IPL family feeling is real. Looking forward to hearing his sharp insights in the commentary box though!
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Arjun K
Honestly, with our own legends like Ganguly involved with DC, do we really need overseas mentors for such a short period? Our domestic coaches like Venugopal Rao and Munaf Patel understand the Indian players and conditions much better. Just a thought.
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Priya S
The schedule announcement is the bigger news for me! Elections affecting IPL... only in India! 😅 But seriously, 10 venues including Guwahati and New Chandigarh is great for spreading the game. Can't wait for March 28!
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Michael C
KP's always been a straight shooter. If he says he can't commit the time, he means it. Commentary is probably a better fit with his other global commitments. The DC social media team's edit was top class as usual.
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Ananya R
As a Delhi fan, I just hope this doesn't disrupt the team's preparation. The support staff looks solid with Indian experience. Focus should now be on backing our players, especially the young Indian talent. Let's go, Capitals! 💙

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