Delhi Capitals Overhaul Coaching Staff Ahead of IPL 2025

Former Indian cricketers Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao have been announced as key appointments in the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) new coaching setup ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Badani will take on the role of head coach, while Rao assumes the position of director of cricket, according to a franchise statement released on Thursday.

These appointments come as part of DC’s comprehensive restructuring, which saw the departure of Ricky Ponting after seven seasons as head coach. Ponting’s role will now be fulfilled by Badani, a seasoned coach with experience in various T20 leagues, including a successful stint with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, where he was pivotal in their SA20 title win.

“It’s my absolute honor to be joining Delhi Capitals,” stated Badani in a press release. “With the mega auction around the corner, my job, in collaboration with the rest of our coaching staff, is cut out.” His previous successes include coaching roles with the Chennai Super Kings and overseeing multiple Tamil Nadu Premier League titles with Chepauk Super Gillies.

Rao, who played 16 One Day Internationals for India, was part of the IPL-winning Deccan Chargers lineup in 2009. His engagement with cricket franchises has been extensive, including roles with the erstwhile Delhi Daredevils and Dubai Capitals. “My association with this franchise has been long-standing,” commented Rao, highlighting his transition from mentor to director of cricket for the Dubai Capitals.

The operational strategy of the Delhi Capitals has also been revamped. The GMR Group and JSW Sports, co-owners of DC, will interchange their management of the men’s and women’s IPL and WPL teams every two years. This strategic move sees Sourav Ganguly, who previously served as director of cricket for the IPL team, taking charge of the WPL duties for the forthcoming two seasons.

Kiran Kumar Grandhi, chairman and co-owner of Delhi Capitals, expressed enthusiasm over the new appointments. “We are delighted to welcome Hemang and Venu to Delhi Capitals. Both have been key figures in our broader cricket family, and we’re thrilled to have them step into these important roles,” he said. Grandhi added, “Their proven track records in coaching promise to be invaluable as we aim to achieve new heights of success.”