“A Profound Honour”: Kevin Pietersen Returns to England Setup as McCullum Welcomes New Partnership With KP

New Delhi, September 7: Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has taken on a new role with the national side, joining the white-ball setup as a "specialist mentor" as England begin preparations for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2027.

He will join Brendon McCullum's white-ball setup for the forthcoming Vitality IT20 and Metro Bank ODI series against Sri Lanka later this month, joining a coaching team which will also include Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor.

Pietersen will also be joining the white-ball tours to Australia and South Africa, before he joins up with the teams again for the home series against Pakistan and New Zealand next summer. KP will also be part of the travelling contingent in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Speaking on the newfound role within the national setup, Pietersen said, "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."

A Glittering Career of 10 Years!

Kevin Pietersen's decade-long international career saw him represent England in 136 ODIs and 37 T20 internationals, scoring more than 5,500 runs across white-ball cricket. He also enjoyed a prolific Test career, accumulating 8,181 runs in 104 appearances.
The former England captain, who worked as a mentor with Delhi Capitals during the 2025 Indian Premier League, will now bring his experience to England's white-ball setup. Pietersen is expected to work closely with both the team and individual players over the next 15 months.

His background in South Africa could be particularly beneficial to England's ODI side, with next year's World Cup set to be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
England men's white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum welcomed Pietersen's involvement and highlighted the value of his experience, particularly for England's batters.
"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," McCullum said.

"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."
Pietersen said he was eager to work with England's talented white-ball group and help the players reach their full potential.

"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," Pietersen said.

Having grown up in South Africa, Pietersen's knowledge and understanding will particularly help the One Day International team as it prepares for next year's World Cup, which is being played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

'Excited'- McCullum Looks For Partnership With KP

Meanwhile, Head Coach Brendon McCullum said that he is excited for the surprise 'partnership' with KP. McCullum said, "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.

McCullum said he was particularly looking forward to England's batters working with Pietersen, whose understanding of performing at the highest level could provide valuable guidance to the players. He also highlighted the mutual respect between the two and expressed his excitement about working together.