Former India batter Hemang Badani will serve as the new head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2025. He succeeds Ricky Ponting, who parted ways with the franchise after seven seasons. Additionally, the franchise has appointed Venugopal Rao as the director of cricket, replacing former India captain Sourav Ganguly in the role.
These appointments are part of a broader strategy by DC’s ownership to revamp the coaching staff and improve the team’s performance, as the franchise has yet to win an IPL title. The decision also includes not renewing the contract of Pravin Amre, who has served as assistant coach and talent scout since 2014.
“I can’t wait to get started,” Badani said in a franchise release, expressing his eagerness to collaborate with the coaching staff ahead of the mega auction. The franchise plans to continue recruiting additional assistant coaches and mentors.
In a notable restructuring, the co-owners of DC—GMR Group and JSW Sports—will swap operational leadership roles every two years. This means the GMR Group will manage the men’s team for the next two seasons, while JSW Sports will oversee the women’s team during 2025 and 2026. Ganguly will transition to director of cricket for the women’s team, returning to the IPL in 2027 when JSW Sports resumes control.
Badani has a strong coaching background, having led Chepauk Super Gillies to three TNPL titles. He has also worked as a fielding coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad and has gained international experience as a coaching consultant for teams in various T20 leagues. Rao, who has also contributed to winning teams, will bring valuable experience to his new role as director of cricket.
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