The Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to usher in a new era in their Indian Premier League (IPL) journey with significant changes in their coaching staff for the 2025 season. Former India cricketer Hemang Badani will be taking the helm as the head coach, stepping into the shoes left by Ricky Ponting, who recently ended a seven-year tenure with the franchise. Alongside Badani, Venugopal Rao, another seasoned player from India, has been appointed as the director of cricket, a role previously occupied by the iconic Sourav Ganguly.

The management decision to not renew the contract of Pravin Amre, who has been part of the coaching setup as an assistant coach and talent scout since 2014, signifies a major restructuring within the franchise. The Delhi Capitals, despite their potential, have yet to clinch an IPL title, and these changes reflect the franchise’s intent to revamp their approach to achieve this goal.

Hemang Badani brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Having played four Tests and 40 ODIs for India, Badani later transitioned into a successful coaching career, particularly in the domestic T20 scene. He was instrumental in leading the Chepauk Super Gillies to four Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) titles, showcasing his knack for nurturing young talent. Moreover, Badani has been involved with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL and has had stints overseas, including a championship win with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the inaugural SA20 in 2023 and a successful run with Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League.

Venugopal Rao, who has played 16 ODIs for India and was part of the IPL-winning Deccan Chargers squad in 2009, also carries significant experience. Previously, he served as a mentor and then as director of cricket for the Dubai Capitals.

With a mega auction looming, Badani acknowledges the challenges ahead and expresses eagerness to begin his tenure, aiming to harness the collective efforts of the coaching staff to steer the franchise towards success. The strategic restructuring extends to the operational leadership roles within the franchise as well. The co-owners, the GMR Group and JSW Sports, have decided to alternate the leadership of their IPL and Women’s Premier League (WPL) teams every two years. For the upcoming seasons, GMR will lead the men’s team, and JSW Sports will take over the women’s team for 2025 and 2026. This rotation will see Ganguly assuming the role of director of cricket for the WPL team for the next two seasons before switching back to the IPL side in 2027 when JSW resumes control.

This comprehensive overhaul, including the key decisions regarding auctions, captaincy, player releases, and retentions, aims to refine the operational dynamics and strategic execution at Delhi Capitals, setting the stage for a renewed push for glory in the competitive landscape of the IPL.