New Delhi: Former England captain Kevein Pietersen’s response went viral after a fan urged Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to appoint him as their mentor in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Five-time champions CSK have endured a rough start to the season and are currently languishing at the bottom of the points table after three defeats in their first three games of the season.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side has struggled with both the bat and the ball and is yet to open their account in IPL 2026. Amid intense criticism for both the captain and the coaching staff of the franchise on social media, a fan on Tuesday took to X to urge CSK management to consider bringing in Pietersen as part of their backroom staff.
“Dear @ChennaiIPL please bring @KP24 as a Mentor,” tweeted the user. Pietersen responded to his tweet with a cheeky reply. The former England skipper jokingly said he is open to the role, as Maldives is closer to Chennai and it would be easier for him to travel.
“Yes please. It is closer to Maldives. Easier travel for me,” Pietersen replied to the fan.
Yes please. It’s closer to Maldives. Easier travel for me. https://t.co/ErZdo660t2
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 7, 2026
For context, Pietersen had travelled to the Maldives for a holiday midway through IPL 2025 while serving as the mentor for the Delhi Capitals last year. His move had raised eyebrows, with some also criticising the former cricketer. DC star KL Rahul had also poked fun at Pietersen for travelling to the Maldives while on IPL duty.
CSK fans demand coaching staff revamp
CSK fans have come down hard on the head coach, Stephen Fleming-led coaching staff, in the last few days amid the team’s horror run in IPL 2026. CSK suffered a humiliating 8-wicket defeat in their opener against the Rajasthan Royals after a batting collapse, before losing to Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru to remain winless in their first three matches of the season.
Many have called for the removal of Fleming as head coach of the franchise due to the team’s poor performance over the last three seasons. Ever since winning their fifth title in 2023, CSK have witnessed a sharp decline and have failed to make it to the playoffs for two consecutive seasons in 2024 and 2025. Their playoffs chances appear slim after their woeful start in IPL 2026.
Some fans have also demanded a complete revamp of the CSK coaching staff, citing their outdated style of play and outdated methods, which once earned them tremendous success but have been rendered ineffective ever since the legendary MS Dhoni left captaincy. Gaikwad & Co. will hope to return to winning ways when they take on Delhi Capitals in their next game at the Chepauk on Saturday, April 11.