India, March 18 -- Former England captain Kevin Pietersen won't be seen in the Delhi Capitals dugout in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 edition after he confirmed that he would not be able to fulfil the role of a mentor in the 19th edition of the tournament. Last season, Pietersen landed his first gig in the support staff of an IPL team, having spent time with the Capitals as their mentor. Over the course of two months, Pietersen formed a special bond with several players, including Ashutosh Sharma.

Last season, after Ashutosh played a match-winning knock for the Capitals against Rishabh Pant's Lucknow Super Giants, the right-handed batter tipped his hat to Pietersen, by making a switch-hit gesture towards the former England captain...