The globe-trotting maverick batsman Kevin Pietersen will return to the Dolphins in the Ram Slam T20 series starting in October.

In a repeat of last year’s agreement, Pietersen has signed a five-match deal for second half of the round-robin stage and will also turn out for the Dolphins in the playoffs and final should the team progress to the knockout phase.

Pietersen made a huge impact last timeout, scoring 401 in the seven matches he played to the final against the Titans. There he was undone by the medium pace of Lungi Ngidi as the Titans ran out comfortable winners. But on the way there, he top-scored with an unbeaten 115, averaging a massive 80.2 at a strike rate just shy of 173.

He has been leading a life of leisure since being injured in the IPL in April.

‘I’m as excited as anything to have signed with the Dolphins again,’ said Pietersen.

‘I had such a wonderful time with them last season and I really enjoyed the team, the camaraderie and the competition, so it was a very easy decision to sign again for this season’s T20 competition.

‘It will be great to getting back on to the cricket field again and I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone in Durban again as well. Here’s to a successful campaign!’

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix