In a major development, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has been appointed as the specialist mentor for England’s white-ball side ahead of the next edition of the ODI World Cup 2027. Interestingly, Pietersen will join Brendon McCullum's support staff later this month.
The three T20Is and three ODI games from September 15 will be Pietersen's first series as England captain. Speaking about his coaching experience, it is interesting to mention that Pietersen has coached and mentored Delhi Capitals in the IPL and has also worked with England’s batting unit for a brief stint against South Africa back in 2023.
With the announcement made official Pietersen took center stage and opened up on his appointment. He spoke of how proud he is to join hands with England again.
“I am very proud to be called upon to assist this team in their journey to win a World Cup in South Africa. “It’s a very special moment and a very profound honor to wear the England uniform again for the first time since 2014,” Pietersen told Cricinfo.
"We have a very good white ball squad and I am looking forward to getting in the trenches and working very hard with these players to get the best out of them. “To be involved in Brendon’s think tank for the next 12 months is a great opportunity and I can’t wait to start,” he added.
Kevin Pietersen gave his view on the appointment"Besides, England's white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum, who was appointed, came forward and spoke of how delighted he is to see Pietersen's appointment as the side's mentor ahead of the World Cup. It will be interesting to see if Pietersen can make a difference to the side going forward.
“I have got a lot of respect for KP and what he has done 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,” McCullum said.
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