India's veteran wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul recently shared a lighthearted story from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, detailing his playful banter with former England captain Kevin Pietersen. Rahul revealed that the back-and-forth became so constant that he jokingly complained to Pietersen’s wife Jessica, telling her that the Englishman was being too rude to him during the season. The friendly rivalry was a highlight of their time at the Delhi Capitals this year, where Rahul had just joined as a player from LSG and Pietersen was serving as the team's mentor. Known for their sharp wit, their on-field and off-field exchanges, often involving light-hearted digs, quickly became a favourite among fans who followed the team's social media.
KL Rahul’s lighthearted complaint to England legend’s wife leaves fans in splits
Rahul added that the banter even drew attention at home. He recalled how his wife, actor Athiya Shetty, had "pulled him up" after watching some of the clips that the Delhi Capitals' social media team had posted, questioning him about the playful arguments with Pietersen.
“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,’” Rahul said while speaking on the 2 Sloggers YouTube podcast.
Rahul, clarified that the clips shared on social media only represented a small fraction of the total back-and-forth they shared. He emphasized that the playful exchanges and constant banter with the former England captain, Kevin Pietersen, were a relentless, behind-the-scenes occurrence throughout their time at the Delhi Capitals.
“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 further stated.
Tell your husband to go easy on me: Rahul to Pietersen's wife
The 33-year-old further detailed how this light-hearted complaint was finally delivered. He recounted that the perfect opportunity arose while he was touring England earlier this year, allowing him to bring up the issue directly with Jessica Pietersen during a private dinner with her and Kevin Pietersen.
“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 added.
Rahul will next be seen in action in the upcoming home Test series against South Africa which is slated to start from November 14.