sourav-ganguly-takes-charge-as-delhi-capitals-head-coach
Sourav Ganguly is set to take on a new role in the IPL. The former India captain is all set to become the head coach of Delhi Capitals for the 2027 season. Although Ganguly has previously been associated with the franchise in various administrative and cricketing roles, this will be the first time he will serve as the head coach of an IPL team. He will replace Hemang Badani.
XtraTime Web Desk
Sourav Ganguly is set to take on a new role in the IPL. The former India captain is all set to become the head coach of Delhi Capitals for the 2027 season. Although Ganguly has previously been associated with the franchise in various administrative and cricketing roles, this will be the first time he will serve as the head coach of an IPL team. He will replace Hemang Badani.
Ganguly has been associated with Delhi Capitals since 2019. Over the years, he has handled several important responsibilities, including the role of Director of Cricket for both the men's and women's teams. He will now take direct charge of the team's coaching responsibilities.
Hemang Badani, who served as Delhi's head coach for two seasons, has stepped down. Along with him, the franchise will also part ways with bowling coach Munaf Patel, team director Venugopal Rao and assistant coach Ian Bell. Delhi Capitals finished sixth in IPL 2026, after ending the previous season in fifth place.
Ganguly is now expected to have the freedom to build his own support staff. There is already speculation that former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh could join his coaching team.
Ganguly took up a head coaching role for the first time last year when he was appointed as the coach of Pretoria Capitals in the South Africa-based T20 league. Under his coaching, Pretoria Capitals reached the final.
Speaking about his new responsibility with Delhi Capitals, Ganguly said, “I am really looking forward to taking up the responsibility of head coach in the IPL. Delhi Capitals is a franchise very close to my heart, and I have shared a deep association with the team over the years. We have a talented group of cricketers and have played some good cricket in recent times. I am looking forward to working with the team in the new season and building a strong and fearless side.”
Ganguly will work with captain Axar Patel and senior batter KL Rahul at Delhi Capitals. Following IPL 2026, the franchise also brought Rishabh Pant back from Lucknow Super Giants. With that, Delhi's experienced Indian core has become even stronger.
Ganguly had already spoken about the possibility of taking over as Delhi Capitals' head coach last year, ahead of the start of the South Africa T20 League season. That speculation has now turned into reality.
‘Dada’ Welcomed by Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals chairman and co-owner Parth Jindal expressed his delight at Ganguly's appointment.
“Dada has been, and continues to be, an integral part of the Delhi Capitals family. It makes me extremely proud and honoured to announce that one of India's greatest captains and administrators will now take charge as our head coach,” Jindal said.
Another co-owner of the franchise, Kiran Kumar Grandhi, also welcomed Ganguly's appointment. His long association with Delhi's cricketing structure and the franchise is expected to play an important role in his new position.
Ganguly will also have a role to play in the team's planning ahead of the IPL auction. Since IPL 2027 will be the final season before the next mega auction, major changes to the squad are not expected.
Notably, just a few weeks before Ganguly's appointment as Delhi Capitals head coach, Chennai Super Kings appointed Zaheer Khan as their head coach for the 2027 season. The move also brought an end to Stephen Fleming's 19-year-long coaching association with the franchise.