New Delhi, September 8: Kevin Pietersen has made a comeback to the national setup after a long hiatus of 12 years, to take on the role of mentorship in the white-ball format. With the clock ticking closer to the ODI World Cup in South Africa, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are leaving no stone unturned to build a side around Harry Brooks and to repeat the heroics of 2019.
Pietersen, who was recently working in a mentorship role with IPL franchise Delhi Capitals (DC), drew a cheeky comment from India's KL Rahul that erupted on the internet. Pietersen and Rahul had worked together for one season before the former decided to move on.
The social media storm started after Rahul commented on Pietersen's appointment on Instagram. "Is the Maldives
holiday included in the package? @kevinpietersen," Rahul commented. In response, Pietersen tagged Rahul with laughing emojis. Interestingly, even Delhi Capitals joined the light banter, asking Pietersen, "What's a mentor?"
What Is The 'Maldives Connection'?
The Maldives connection came after the Delhi Capitals team spent a few days in the Maldives during IPL 2025. It acted like a retreat for the group during the intense season, with Pietersen also in company.
Pietersen Joins English Setup
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen is set to return to the national setup after being appointed as a specialist mentor in Brendon McCullum's white-ball coaching team. Pietersen will begin his new role during England's upcoming Vitality IT20 and Metro Bank ODI series against Sri Lanka later this month.
The coaching group will also feature Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor. Pietersen is expected to remain involved throughout England's white-ball tours of Australia and South Africa this winter. He will then return for next summer's home series against Pakistan and New Zealand before working with the squad at the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Pietersen, who last represented England in 2014, said he was immensely proud to help the team in their pursuit of World Cup glory. He described wearing the England uniform again as a "profound honour" and said he was eager to work with McCullum and the talented squad.
