'He thought I was joking': McCullum reveals phone call that brought Pietersen back

Kevin Pietersen's return to the England setup has Brendon McCullum at the centre of the decision, with the white-ball head coach revealing that the idea of bringing the former England batter in as a mentor was his own.The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed last week that Pietersen would join the coaching group for the ODI and T20I assignments leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.Pietersen's appointment immediately raised eyebrows given his outspoken criticism of McCullum and England's preparations in the past. In 2025, he questioned the team's readiness for the ODI series against India ahead of the Champions Trophy and was particularly critical of the way the side had approached the assignment.But McCullum insists there is no lingering tension between the pair.