Preparations of all the teams for IPL 2026 have almost started. Team camps are going on, new jerseys are being launched, some players are coming as replacements and some changes are also taking place in the coaching staff. But amidst all this, a veteran has departed from the camp of Delhi Capitals. Just 14 days before the start of the league, former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has announced that he will not be a part of Delhi Capitals this season. Pietersen had joined Delhi as a mentor only last year.

Why did Pietersen leave Delhi?

Former English captain and veteran batsman Kevin Pietersen made this announcement on a social media post on March 14. The interesting thing is that he wrote this post in Hindi and said that this time he cannot give as much time as is required for this work. Although he will be seen during the IPL, instead of guiding the Delhi players on the field, he will sit in the commentary box and tell the situation of the match.

Pietersen, who has played for Delhi, said in his post, "I can't be a mentor for Delhi Capitals this season of the IPL. I can't commit the time that the work requires. Best wishes to all the players this season. However, I will see you back in the comm box! IPL is the best league in the world and I can't wait to see you all soon!"

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I cannot become a mentor for Delhi Capitals in this season of IPL.

I can't commit to the time that the work requires.

Best wishes to all the players this season!

I'll see you back in the comm box though! IPL is the best league in the world

— Kevin PietersenMarch 14, 2026

How was Delhi's performance?

Kevin Pietersen was made the mentor of Delhi Capitals only last season but the performance of the franchise was not very good. After a strong start in the tournament, the Capitals' train had derailed. However, the team ultimately missed qualifying for the playoffs by just 1 point and finished fifth with 15 points.