'Your husband is rude': KL Rahul complaints to DC mentor Kevin Pietersen's wife

KL Rahul complaints to DC mentor Kevin Pietersen's wife. (Photo: IPL)

In a recent amusing behind-the-scenes account of his lighthearted banter with England legend Kevin Pietersen during the 2025 Indian Premier League season, Team India star KL Rahul revealed that he even complained to Pietersen's wife, Jessica Pietersen, about the Englishman being "too rude" to him.

Rahul joined the Delhi Capitals this season from the Lucknow Super Giants, and Pietersen assumed the role of mentor at the franchise. Both cricketers were well-known for their quick wit and lighthearted jabs at one another, and their on-field and off-field interactions soon became fan favorites.

Speaking on the 2 Sloggers YouTube podcast, Rahul recounted that after seeing some of his bantering videos with Pietersen that were shared on the Delhi Capitals' social media accounts, his wife, actor Athiya Shetty, had even pulled him up.

“Our banter is different. He is a great sport. He gives it to you also,” Rahul said with a laugh. “There was this video, and there were two-three times where I said something and DC posted it on Instagram. So, my wife was telling me, ‘Why are you being so mean? He is such a sweet guy.’”

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter went on to say that his frequent back-and-forth with the former England captain was far more extensive than what the public witnessed on the internet.

“I said, ‘Half the things that he does to me and tells me, that doesn’t come out.’ This is three times that I have given out of the 100 times he is after my life,” Rahul revealed.

Rahul went on to describe how, while touring England earlier this year, he brought up the amusing grievance at a dinner with Pietersen and his wife, Jessica.

“I complained to his wife when we were in the UK. They invited me for dinner and I told her, ‘Tell your husband to go easy on me. He is very rude to me,’” he said, laughing.

The two cricketers' friendship was a feature of the Delhi Capitals' 2025 IPL season, as fans frequently saw their interactions on social media. After criticizing Rahul's cautious approach in T20s, Pietersen later commended the Indian batsman for his aggressive and game-winning efforts throughout the season.

Rahul maintained similar form during India's tour of England, scoring 532 runs in 10 innings, including two hundreds and two half-centuries, demonstrating a striking improvement in his confidence and style of play.