May 4, 2025: Delhi Capitals mentor and former England star Kevin Pietersen has voiced his frustration over young England batter Harry Brook’s decision to pull out of IPL 2025. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Pietersen said he had been eager to work with Brook to correct his well-known struggles against spin in the subcontinent.
Brook, who was signed by Delhi Capitals for ₹6.25 crore, withdrew from the tournament before the season began, citing the need to “recharge” ahead of a packed international calendar. His withdrawal — following a similar pullout from IPL 2024 due to personal reasons — has now led to a two-year ban from the league, in accordance with IPL rules.
Pietersen, clearly disappointed, said:
“I told him, I was like, ‘Dude, I am gutted that I cannot work with you for a few months.’ … He has a flaw playing spin in India — a real big flaw. Two months here, imagine what might have happened if he had fixed that?”
Brook’s recent form in India has underlined those concerns. Across 14 matches in the country — including the 2023 World Cup and bilateral series — he has averaged just 22.14, with frequent dismissals to spin. During the T20Is against India earlier this year, he fell to spinners in every game.
Pietersen also reflected on mentoring past England players, saying:
“Root turned out to be the greatest player of spin England’s ever had… we spent hours together batting in the nets. I love that stuff.”
Meanwhile, Brook has been named England’s new white-ball captain, replacing Jos Buttler after the team’s recent struggles in global tournaments.
Delhi Capitals, currently fifth on the IPL points table, will face Sunrisers Hyderabad next in a key fixture on Monday.