Hemang Badani Named Head Coach Of Delhi Capitals Ahead Of IPL 2025

Former India cricketer Hemang Badani has been named the head coach of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 season. Badani has replaced former Australia captain Ricky Ponting as the Capitals' top coach. 

Hemang Badani named head coach of Delhi Capitals

Hemang Badani, with a notable playing career spanning 4 Tests and 40 ODIs, has established himself as a seasoned coach with a impressive track record. He served as the fielding coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2021, followed by a stint as batting coach for the same team in 2022. Additionally, he led the Jaffna Kings to consecutive titles in the Lankan Premier League in 2021 and 2022 as their head coach. 

Badani also played a crucial role as batting coach for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, helping the team win the inaugural SA20 season. Most recently, he guided Dubai Capitals to the final of ILT20 2024 as their head coach. 

Speaking on the occasion, Hemang Badani said, “It’s my absolute honour to be joining Delhi Capitals , and I’m deeply grateful to our owners for trusting me with the job. 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.”

Meanwhile, Venugopal Rao has been named the Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals ' men's team ahead of the IPL 2025 season. Rao had been the mentor of Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 and later served as their Director of Cricket. 

“My association with the franchise has been a long-standing one, and I am thankful for the trust our owners have placed in me by offering me this role,” said Rao. “I look forward to this new challenge ahead of a new IPL cycle”

Venugopal Rao has represented India in 16 ODIs and was a key member of the Deccan Chargers squad that won the IPL 2009 title. Rao also had a successful stint with erstwhile Delhi Daredevils in the IPL , playing three seasons from 2011 to 2013.