In has come as a massive development, Delhi Capitals (DC) are looking at former Indian batter Hemang Badani as a possible replacement for Ricky Ponting as the head coach for the franchise ahead of IPL 2025. The DC franchise is in for a coaching shake-up after they released Ponting from the head coach role in July. While they already have Sourav Ganguly as Director of Cricket, the franchise is on the lookout for new coaches. Apart from this, there have been IPL 2025 retention updates for DC as well.
Badani head coach, Munaf Patel bowling coach?
“DC management is looking at quality home-grown coaches and Hemang and Munaf’s names have cropped up. A final decision is yet to be taken but in case of Munaf, it could be bowling coach’s job,” an IPL source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
The probable appointment of Badani as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals might indicate a change in management for the next two years, with GMR, one of the co-owners (along with JSW), taking the lead. It’s believed that the two co-owners have an agreement to alternate in managing the team for two-year periods.
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Badani an ideal contender?
Well, Hemang Badani is the prime contender for the head coach role. While he might not be a household name, Badani has a massive experience in coaching. He has been the head coach of Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) since 2016. In his tenure, Badani has won four TNPL titles. Apart from this, he was appointed as fielding coach and scout of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team in the Indian Premier League and continued in the role till July 2023.
While Badani has previously worked with Brian Lara at SRH, landing this job would be a significant career milestone. The former Tamil Nadu batter played four Tests and 40 ODIs for India, with a memorable ODI century against Australia in 2001 being a highlight. As the new head coach, Badani will be expected to guide Delhi Capitals to their first-ever IPL title, a feat that has eluded the team since the league’s inception in 2008. The team has only reached one final, losing to Mumbai Indians in 2020.
As for Munaf Patel, he is most likely to replace James Hopes as the bowling coach. The former ODI World Cup winner played 63 matches in the IPL, clinching the title in 2013 with the Mumbai Indians (MI). Moreover, Munaf has been associated with DC, having played for their sister franchise in LLC with India Capitals.
