Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has been appointed as the mentor of Delhi Capitals for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This marks Pietersen’s first coaching role in the IPL since retiring from professional cricket in 2016.
The franchise has undergone a significant revamp in its coaching staff ahead of the new season. Hemang Badani has been named head coach, while former Indian cricketers Venugopal Rao and Munaf Patel have taken up roles as Director of Cricket and Bowling Coach, respectively. Additionally, England’s white-ball head coach Matthew Mott has joined the setup as an assistant coach.
Delhi Capitals are yet to announce their captain for the season after releasing Rishabh Pant following the previous edition. The team will kick off their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24, a side now led by their former skipper, Pant.
Pietersen is no stranger to the Delhi franchise, having captained them in the 2014 season when they were known as the Delhi Daredevils. He also led Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2009. Beyond cricket, he shares a strong bond with the GMR Group, the franchise’s co-owners. In October 2024, he played a key role in facilitating the GMR Group’s acquisition of Hampshire County Cricket Club.
Delhi Capitals have been part of the IPL since its inception but have only reached the final once in 17 seasons. With a new coaching setup and fresh ambitions, they will be aiming to secure their maiden IPL title in the 2025 season.