IPL 2025: K.L. Rahul should bat at four and keep wickets for India in T20s says Delhi Capitals’ mentor Kevin Pietersen

K. L. Rahul's revamped T20 approach impresses Kevin Pietersen, who backs him for India's number four spot and wicket-keeping role.

K.L. Rahul is best placed to bat at number four and keep wickets for India in next year's Twenty20 (T20) World Cup, believes Delhi Capitals mentor Kevin Pietersen.

With his intent in the shortest format being questioned in the past, Rahul has tweaked his approach to be the leading run-getter for Delhi Capitals’ this season.

The competition for the wicket-keeper-batter's slot in the national team is stiff with Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan being the other options for the selectors.

Rahul has not been a part of India's T20 setup since the 2022 World Cup but Pietersen reckons he has done enough to warrant a comeback, and is best suited for the wicket-keeper-batter's role.

"I'd bat K. L. at four for India in T20 cricket. I think you guys have got plenty of opening batters.

"But the way K. L. Rahul is playing cricket now, he would be my first choice to bat at four, and keep wickets for India," said Pietersen in response to a PTI query after DC's loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday night.

At the start of the season, Rahul himself had talked about his renewed approach towards the T20 format.