Table of Contents
England have brought former batting great Kevin Pietersen into their white-ball setup as a specialist mentor ahead of next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Pietersen will work with Brendon McCullum's side across a number of assignments over the next 15 months, beginning with England's upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.
The former England batter will be part of the coaching group alongside Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor. His experience of playing international cricket in England as well as his background in South Africa is expected to be particularly useful as the ODI side prepares for the World Cup in the region.
England appoint Kevin Pietersen as specialist mentor for white-ball teams
Kevin Pietersen will initially join England for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka. His role will then continue through England's white-ball tours of Australia and South Africa this winter.
He is also set to work with the team during the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand next summer before being involved in the 2027 World Cup campaign. Pietersen's appointment gives England another experienced figure to work closely with the batters and individual players.
During his international career, Kevin Pietersen represented England in 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is, while also playing 104 Tests. He also worked as a mentor with Delhi Capitals during the 2025 IPL.
Having grown up in South Africa, Pietersen brings considerable knowledge of conditions in the country where the next 50-over World Cup will be staged.
I’ve got immense respect for KP and what he’s achieved in the game - Brendon McCullum
England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum welcomed Pietersen's arrival and highlighted the former batter's experience and impact on English cricket. He believes the team's batters in particular can benefit from working closely with him.
“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.
“I’m particularly excited for our batters to get the opportunity to work with him. KP has a unique understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest level, which will be hugely valuable to our players. We’ve always respected each other and had a strong appreciation for what the other brings to the game, so I’m really looking forward to working together.”
I am immensely proud to have been asked to help this team - Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen said returning to the England setup in an official capacity is a special moment for him. He also expressed his desire to help the current squad maximise its potential ahead of the World Cup.
“I am immensely proud to have been asked to help this team on their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa. Putting on the England uniform again for the first time since 2014 is a profound honour and a deeply special moment.
“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.”
Kevin Pietersen's career stats and when was the last time he played for England
Pietersen finished his England career with 8,181 Test runs in 104 matches, averaging 47.28. He scored 23 centuries and 35 fifties, with a highest score of 227.
In ODIs, he accumulated 4,440 runs in 136 matches at an average of 40.73, including nine centuries and 25 fifties. His T20I career produced another 1,176 runs in 37 matches at a strike rate of 141.51.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 104 | 8,181 | 47.28 | 23 | 35 |
| ODIs | 136 | 4,440 | 40.73 | 9 | 25 |
| T20Is | 37 | 1,176 | 37.93 | 0 | 7 |
Pietersen's last Test came against Australia at Sydney in January 2014, while his final ODI appearance was against Australia at Southampton on September 16, 2013. His last T20I came against New Zealand at The Oval on June 27, 2013. He subsequently played no international cricket for England after the 2014 Sydney Test.
His return to the England camp therefore marks more than a decade since he last represented the team, although he now returns in a mentoring role rather than as a player.
Also Read :“India lucky to have him”: Kevin Pietersen praises Devdutt Padikkal
