DC Mentor Kevin Pietersen Hails KL Rahul’s Outstanding Batting in IPL 2025. Former England captain and Delhi Capitals (DC) mentor Kevin Pietersen has lavished praise on KL Rahul for his stellar batting performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Pietersen also urged the Indian cricket team to consider Rahul as a permanent fixture in their T20I lineup.
Pietersen’s remarks come in the wake of KL Rahul aggressive approach with the bat this season. Previously criticized for his low strike rate in T20 internationals, Rahul has displayed a refreshing and attacking style in IPL 2025. The right-handed batter currently stands as DC’s leading run-scorer after eight matches, amassing 364 runs at a brilliant average of 60.67 and an impressive strike rate of 146.18. Rahul has also notched up three half-centuries so far, underlining his dominance at the crease.
Kevin Pietersen Feels Team India Should Bring Back KL Rahul for T20Is
During a conversation with Cricbuzz, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen backed KL Rahul’s inclusion in India’s T20I squad. While Rahul remains a regular in the longer formats Tests and ODIs he has been out of favour in T20Is. However, Pietersen believes Rahul’s current form in IPL 2025 warrants a return to the shortest format. He suggested Rahul could play a crucial role in the middle order and also handle wicketkeeping duties for India.
“I would bat KL at number four for India in T20 cricket. You already have plenty of opening options — players like Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) and others at the top — but the way KL Rahul is playing now, he would be my first choice to bat at four and keep wickets,” Pietersen said.
Kevin Pietersen also pointed out KL Rahul’s shift towards a more aggressive approach to his game since late last year. He cited instances where Rahul took charge and finished crucial matches for India, including his nearly match-winning performance in the Champions Trophy in Dubai. Rahul’s ability to handle pressure in tight situations and his change in mindset have impressed many, including Pietersen.
KL Rahul Before IPL 2025, Rahul acknowledged the need to adjust his T20I style. He admitted that in previous seasons, he had focused too much on taking the game deep and tried to build innings slowly, neglecting the need for more attacking shots. Recognizing that this approach didn’t work well in the fast-paced T20 format, Rahul committed to improving his game by adopting a more aggressive strategy.
Pietersen praised this change, noting KL Rahul positive attitude toward growth. He commended Rahul for not just recognizing the need for change but also for taking action to shift his approach. The former England cricketer applauded Rahul for his focused training, his willingness to experiment with his batting, and the overall positive energy he brings to the game. This transformation has led to better performances from Rahul in IPL 2025, where he has consistently delivered impactful knocks, helping his team’s cause.
KL Rahul efforts this season, including key performances for Delhi Capitals, have demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel in the T20 format. His aggressive batting and solid wicketkeeping make him an even more valuable asset to the Indian team in T20Is, further justifying Pietersen’s call for his inclusion in the squad.
“The way he accepted the need for change, and how he has gone about it, is a huge credit to his character. KL Rahul is incredibly positive in the way he practices, trains, thinks about the game, and even speaks about it,” the Delhi Capitals mentor added.
KL Rahul has been in superb form for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, producing several impressive innings. He top-scored with 41 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a losing cause, and earlier hit an unbeaten 57 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), 38 against Rajasthan Royals (RR), and unbeaten scores of 93 and 77 against RCB and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), respectively.
Thanks to KL Rahul consistent performances, Axar Patel’s Delhi Capitals have been a strong force this season, winning six out of nine matches and currently sitting fourth on the IPL 2025 points table. Notably, DC started their campaign with four consecutive wins.