Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been named head coach of Delhi Capitals for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season, taking charge of the franchise for the first time after years in various roles within the organisation.
Ganguly has been associated with the Capitals since 2019, having served in several positions, including Director of Cricket for both the men’s and women’s teams. His appointment marks his first stint as an IPL head coach.
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He replaces Hemang Badani, who spent two seasons in charge. The Capitals have also decided not to retain bowling coach Munaf Patel, team director Venugopal Rao and assistant coach Ian Bell. Delhi finished sixth in IPL 2026 after ending the previous season in fifth place.
Ganguly is expected to bring in his own support staff. It has also been widely speculated that former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh could join his coaching group at the Capitals.
The 54-year-old took up a head coach role for the first time last year when he oversaw Pretoria Capitals in SA20. Under Ganguly, Pretoria reached the final of the South African T20 competition.
Ganguly, who also serves as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, said his coaching group would focus on building a strong and fearless team.
“I am looking forward to taking on the role of Head Coach in the IPL. Delhi Capitals is a franchise very close to my heart, and one that I have shared a strong relationship with over the years,” Ganguly said.
“We have a talented group and have played a good brand of cricket in the recent past. I am looking forward to working with the squad, the new season, and building a strong and fearless team.”
Ganguly will work with the leadership group featuring captain Axar Patel and senior batter KL Rahul. Delhi also brought Rishabh Pant back from Lucknow Super Giants after IPL 2026, strengthening an experienced Indian core.
Ganguly had spoken about the possibility of taking over as Delhi’s head coach as early as last year, when he addressed the media ahead of the SA20 season.
DELHI WELCOMES DADA
Delhi Capitals chairman and co-owner Parth Jindal welcomed the appointment, saying Ganguly had been “an integral part of the Delhi Capitals family” and that his experience and leadership would be valuable in the new role.
“Dada is and has always been an integral part of the Delhi Capitals family,” Jindal said.
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to announce that one of the greatest Indian captains and administrators is now stepping into coaching by taking over as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals.”
Co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi also backed the appointment, highlighting Ganguly’s understanding of the franchise and its cricketing structure.
Ganguly will now oversee the Capitals’ planning ahead of the IPL auction later this year. With IPL 2027 set to be the final season before the next mega auction, significant changes to the squad are unlikely.
His appointment comes weeks after Chennai Super Kings named Zaheer Khan as their head coach for IPL 2027, ending Stephen Fleming’s 19-year stint with the five-time champions.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
