Kevin Pietersen Reflects On Working with KL Rahul, Praises His Adaptability and Positive Approach

April 28, 2025: Delhi Capitals mentor Kevin Pietersen has opened up about his experience working with KL Rahul in IPL 2025, admitting that the veteran Indian batter has won him over with his positive and adaptable approach.

Once criticized for his slow-paced batting — with Pietersen even likening watching Rahul bat to “watching paint dry” — the English legend now believes Rahul has reinvented himself. “KL has been playing in a very positive manner since mid-to-late last year,” Pietersen said during the post-match press conference. “He’s changed as a player, which is very hard to do after you’ve played for so long in a particular way.”

Pietersen pointed to Rahul’s crucial innings in the Champions Trophy in Dubai and his ability to switch seamlessly between roles in the DC batting lineup — notably his fiery 77 off 51 balls against CSK and a composed 41 off 39 balls against RCB.

“The way he has accepted the need to change is a great credit to him. He is so positive — in practice, in his thinking, and in how he talks about the game,” said Pietersen.

Despite Rahul’s composed knock against RCB, Delhi Capitals couldn’t defend their total of 162/8, as Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win.

Pietersen also spotlighted DC’s rising star Ashutosh Sharma, praising the 26-year-old’s explosive potential. “Ashu is part of the new generation who wants to hit sixes off every ball. I’m just trying to help him practice the right way — to pick the right ball to hit. That’s the key to performing in matches,” he said.

As for T Natarajan, Pietersen assured fans that the left-arm pacer is fully fit and ready to play, but competition for spots means he’ll have to wait for his opportunity. “We can only play 11. Natarajan is doing everything right and is chomping at the bit. His time will come,” he said.

With KL Rahul finding rhythm and young talents like Ashutosh showing promise, Delhi Capitals are counting on their evolving squad to keep their playoff hopes alive in IPL 2025.