England icon Kevin Pietersen’s sudden exit from the mentoring role at Delhi Capitals (DC) just weeks before the start of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) has sparked massive debate.
Many fans were surprised and shocked by Pietersen’s decision as IPL 2028 is scheduled to start from March 28. He joined the Capitals as a mentor last year, and this was his first IPL coaching stint.
Delhi Capitals are shocked by the sudden exit of Kevin Pietersen.
However, Pietersen decided to part ways with the franchise just before this season. The Englishman said he would not be able to continue working as a mentor as the role demands a lot of time and commitment. But he will still be a part of IPL through commentary.
Also Read: Axar Patel vs KL Rahul: Should Delhi Capitals change captaincy for IPL 2026?
Kevin Pietersen posted,
News
I cannot be a player for Delhi Capitals in this season of IPL.
I can’t be synthetic for the time the work requires.
Good luck to all the players this season!
I’ll see you back in the box though! IPL is the best league in the world…
– Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) 14 March 2026
Once a Delhiwala, always a Delhiwala: DC bids farewell to Pietersen
As soon as the news came out, the market of speculation became heated on social media. However, Delhi Capitals showed complete respect and warmth towards the former England star. The franchise thanked Pietersen for his support and passion for the team.
He also made it clear that there is no bitterness between the two sides. He posted on Instagram on Sunday (March 15): “Once a Delhiwala, always a Delhiwala. Thanks for your love and roar, KP.”
Once a Delhiite, always a Delhiite. Thank you for all your love and roar, KP pic.twitter.com/ItiuXWD19Y
– Delhi Capitals (@delhicapitals) 15 March 2026
Kevin Pietersen’s journey with Delhi
Meanwhile, the connection between Kevin Pietersen and Delhi Capitals goes back several years. Before joining the team as a mentor, Pietersen had formed a special bond with the Delhi fans during his playing days when the team was known as Delhi Daredevils.
Pietersen scored a brilliant 103* against Deccan Chargers at the prestigious Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. It was one of those nights when Delhi fans completely embraced the English star. He represented Delhi between 2012 and 2014 and scored 599 runs in 19 matches for the team.
Delhi Capitals ready for fresh start after mixed 2025 season
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals will now focus their attention on the upcoming IPL 2026 after missing the playoffs last year. The team finished fifth in the points table and missed a place in the top four under the captaincy of Axar Patel.
Delhi will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. After that, they will return home to face Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. Later, they will travel to Chennai to take on Chennai Super Kings in Chepauk.
The 19th season of the IPL is set to begin on March 28 in Bengaluru with a blockbuster opening match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad. In the first phase of this season, 20 matches will be played at 10 different venues.
The matches will be held in Indian cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
Also Read: If Ajinkya Rahane steps down from the captaincy of KKR in IPL 2026, who will replace him?