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"I Would Bat KL Rahul At 4" DC Mentor Suggests Bold Change In India's T20I XI

Aakash Saini

Kevin Pietersen and KL Rahul [Source: @DelhiCapitals/x]Kevin Pietersen and KL Rahul [Source: @DelhiCapitals/x]

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has expressed his admirations for in-form Delhi Capitals middle-order batter KL Rahul amidst the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Regarding Rahul’s form, Pietersen also shared an advice for the Indian team as the ‘Men in Blue’ brace themselves up for next year’s 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

It is worth noting that KL Rahul has played a significant role in Capitals’ success this IPL 2025, considering the charismatic right-handed batter has belted three half-centuries, all in match-winning causes for his team off late.

Kevin Pietersen’s advice for Team India

Ahead of Delhi Capitals’ match against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kevin Pietersen stated that in-form batter KL Rahul should bat at number four for the Indian team in T20 cricket. 

The Delhi Capitals mentor added that the Indian team already has plenty of openers, and Rahul at such a form should a find a way into the national playing XI as a wicketkeeper-batter.

He said:

“I'd bat KL at four for India in T20 cricket, I think you guys have got plenty of opening batters, you've got Surya who bats at the top, you've got all of these guys but the way that KL Rahul is playing cricket now, he would be my first choice to bat at four and keep wicket for India.”

KL Rahul was acquired by the Delhi Capitals franchise last year during the IPL 2025 mega auction. In turn, the cricketer has now accrued 364 runs in eight innings at an exceptional batting average of 60.67. The 33-year-old has belted three half-centuries in the process, each in match-winning causes against teams like LSG, RCB and the CSK.

The Delhi Capitals will now face the KKR in match number 48 of the IPL 2025 season in Delhi. With six wins and three defeats from nine matches, the Capitals team is placed fourth on the points table.