3 hrs ago
Kevin Pietersen returns as England’s white-ball mentor after decade
Kevin Pietersen is returning to England’s cricket team in a coaching and mentoring job.
He will not return as a player.
Instead, he will help the team’s batters and other players in white-ball cricket.
His work starts during England’s matches against Sri Lanka later this month.
Those matches include three T20 games and three one-day games.
Pietersen last played for England in 2014.
He grew up in South Africa, where the next ODI World Cup will partly be held.
England hopes his experience will help the team prepare.
Pietersen and coach Brendon McCullum both said they are excited to work together.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has been appointed specialist mentor of the men’s white-ball teams.
He will begin during England’s Sri Lanka series, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, later this month.
Pietersen will work with head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Harry Brook ahead of the next ODI World Cup.
His South Africa experience is expected to help England prepare for a tournament hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Pietersen previously mentored Delhi Capitals and briefly worked with England’s batters during a 2023 ODI series in South Africa.
- Who
- Former England captain Kevin Pietersen, head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Harry Brook are involved.
- What
- Pietersen has been appointed specialist mentor for England’s men’s white-ball teams.
- Where
- The role is with England’s national team, beginning during the series against Sri Lanka; the next ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- When
- The appointment was announced on Monday, with Pietersen beginning during the Sri Lanka series later this month; his last international appearance was in 2014.
- Why
- England wants to use Pietersen’s experience, batting knowledge and understanding of South African conditions ahead of the World Cup.
Supporters of the appointment
Reservations about the appointment
Experience and batting expertise
Supporters of the appointment
McCullum said Pietersen’s experience, knowledge, stature and understanding of high-level performance could be highly valuable, particularly to England’s batters.
Reservations about the appointment
Pietersen’s appointment follows criticism he made of England’s environment under McCullum during the 2025 tour of India; McCullum described that criticism as factually incorrect.
Return to the England set-up
Supporters of the appointment
Pietersen called the opportunity a “profound honour,” while McCullum said he was excited to work with him and praised his impact on English cricket.
Reservations about the appointment
His international career ended controversially in 2014, making the new mentoring role a significant return after more than a decade away from the England set-up.
Key facts
- New role
- Specialist Mentor for England’s men’s white-ball teams
- Start
- Later this month during England’s series against Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka series
- Three T20Is and three ODIs
- World Cup venues
- South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia
- International record
- 104 Tests, 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is for England
- Previous mentoring
- Delhi Capitals in the 2025 Indian Premier League
- Additional experience
- Briefly worked with England’s batters during the 2023 ODI series in South Africa
Quotes
Brendon McCullum
England men’s white-ball head coach
“We have an incredibly talented white-ball squad, and I am excited to get in the trenches and work relentlessly hard with these players to maximise their potential. To be a part of Brendon's think tank over the next 12 months is a fantastic opportunity, and I cannot wait to get started.”
CNBC TV 18
livemint.com
“I've got immense respect for KP and what he's achieved in the game. He's had an amazing impact on English cricket, so for someone with his experience, knowledge and stature to want to play a role with this team is a fantastic result.”
CNBC TV 18
livemint.com
thehansindia.com
Sources
Pietersen appointed specialist mentor of England white-ball teams
Kevin Pietersen appointed England white-ball mentor, returns after 12 years
Kevin Pietersen makes sensational England national team return 12 years since international retirement
Kevin Pietersen named England white-ball mentor in shock move
Related news
Kevin Pietersen Returns to England Setup After 12 Years
Mike Hussey Open to England Batting Role for Ashes
Pietersen Mocks Pakistan's Massive Test Squad Shake-Up Before England Finale
Michael Hussey Rejects England Test Batting Coach Role
Stephen Fleming Considers Mike Hussey for England Batting Role
Eoin Morgan tipped as next CSK coach, says Ravi Ashwin
Indian Student’s Ajnar River Cleanup Wins Global Recognition, Job Offer
Mickey Arthur Leads Criticism of PCB’s Mid-Series Test Overhaul
