Delhi Capitals have announced a major overhaul of their coaching staff ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, appointing former India batter Hemang Badani as their new head coach. Along with Badani, former India cricketer Venugopal Rao has been named as the franchise’s new Director of Cricket. These appointments are part of a broader restructuring by DC’s ownership, aimed at revitalizing the team’s fortunes as they continue their search for their first-ever IPL title.
Badani, who played four Tests and 40 ODIs for India, steps into the role vacated by Ricky Ponting, who amicably parted ways with the franchise after seven seasons. Ponting had been instrumental in shaping DC’s squad and strategy but decided to step down following a series of underwhelming performances, including last year’s disappointing season. Meanwhile, Rao replaces Sourav Ganguly, who held the Director of Cricket position for the last few years.
The decision to make these changes comes as part of a larger strategy by the DC management to overhaul both the coaching staff and the team’s overall management structure. According to reports, the franchise will not be renewing the contract of Pravin Amre, who has served as an assistant coach and talent scout since 2014.
Hemang Badani’s Coaching Credentials
Hemang Badani, renowned for his leadership and coaching abilities in domestic T20 cricket, brings a wealth of experience to the DC camp. While his playing career at the international level was brief, his coaching tenure has been highly successful. After playing a part in Chennai Super Kings’ squads in the early years of the IPL, Badani found significant success as the head coach of Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Under his guidance, the team won three TNPL titles, and Badani played a pivotal role in developing young talent, including current Tamil Nadu captain R Sai Kishore.
In addition to his success in the TNPL, Badani has also coached at the IPL level, serving as the fielding coach and scout for Sunrisers Hyderabad during the 2022 IPL season. His coaching expertise extends internationally as well, having been involved in various T20 leagues around the world. Most recently, he was the head coach of Dubai Capitals, a GMR Group-owned team, that finished as runners-up in the inaugural ILT20 earlier this year. He also had stints as a consultant for Seattle Orcas in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States.
Badani expressed his excitement about the new role, stating, “With the mega auction around the corner, my job, in collaboration with the rest of our coaching staff, is cut out. I can’t wait to get started.” The franchise is expected to make additional appointments, including assistant coaches and a mentor, as part of the restructuring process.
Venugopal Rao Takes Over as Director of Cricket
Venugopal Rao, another former India cricketer, steps into the role of Director of Cricket after a successful stint as a mentor with the Dubai Capitals. Rao, who was part of the Deccan Chargers’ IPL-winning squad in 2009, has a deep understanding of the T20 game and has been a significant figure in the development of franchises in various leagues.
Rao’s experience both as a player and as a coach makes him a strong candidate to guide the Capitals as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the IPL 2025 season. His time with the Dubai Capitals, as well as his broader experience in the IPL and T20 cricket, positions him well to help DC in their quest to improve their performance.
Franchise Restructuring and the Future
This overhaul is part of a broader strategy by the Delhi Capitals’ ownership, with the GMR Group and JSW Sports swapping operational leadership roles for the IPL and Women’s Premier League teams every two years. GMR Group will take over the leadership of the men’s team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, while JSW Sports will oversee the women’s team during this period. Sourav Ganguly, who previously held the Director of Cricket role for the men’s team, will now take on a similar position for the WPL team.
The decision-making process regarding key team decisions such as player auctions, captaincy, and retention will be handled jointly by the senior leadership of both groups, ensuring that the best interests of both teams are taken into account.
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Looking Ahead to IPL 2025
The Delhi Capitals are aiming to make significant strides in IPL 2025 after a series of underwhelming performances in recent seasons. With the leadership of Badani and Rao, the franchise hopes to create a more structured and cohesive unit, giving them a stronger chance of winning their first-ever IPL title.
As the franchise begins its preparations for the mega auction and the upcoming season, the leadership changes signal a fresh beginning for the team. Fans will be eager to see how these changes will shape the team’s strategy and performance in the years to come.