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Sri Lankan cricket legend Chaminda Vaas is back in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after 16 long years, but this time, he will not be seen with the ball in his hand. Chaminda Vaas has joined Delhi Capitals as their fast-bowling coach ahead of the IPL 2027.
The former left-arm fast bowler’s appointment brings a huge boost to the Delhi Capitals franchise as it looks to build a strong bowling attack with the help of his experience both as player and coach. Earlier, BCCI grills selector candidates on Rohit Sharma’s future and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s situation.
Chaminda Vaas returns to IPL after 16 years as Delhi Capitals bowling coach
Delhi Capitals announced Chaminda Vaas’s appointment on social media on Saturday (October 17). The Sri Lankan legend will now work alongside former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who is DC’s new head coach, and former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who joined as batting and assistant coach.
One legendary C.V. 📝🔥 Welcoming our Fast Bowling Coach Chaminda Vaas to Dilli 💙❤️ https://t.co/m5Qrg1EXJ4
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 17, 2026
With these experienced names in the coaching staff, Delhi Capitals will hope to make a strong impact in the upcoming IPL 2027 season. Well, Vaas played for the now-defunct Deccan Chargers during the first three seasons of the tournament, from 2008 to 2010.
However, this will be Sri Lankan legend’s first coaching assignment in one of the world’s biggest T20 leagues. The 52-year-old enjoyed a successful career with Sri Lanka. He finished with 355 wickets in Test cricket and 400 wickets in ODIs.
Vaas was one of the most successful fast bowlers Sri Lanka has ever produced. His ability to swing the ball and trouble batters with his accuracy made him a key member of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack for many years. Now, Vaas will look to use that experience to help Delhi Capitals’ young Indian fast bowlers improve their skills and perform under pressure in the IPL.
Chaminda Vaas brings huge coaching experience to DC
Vaas has extensive experience as a coach after ending his international career. His coaching journey started in 2012 when he worked with New Zealand’s fast bowlers during their tour of Sri Lanka. Amid this, Shubman Gill to pay for 4-5 personal net bowlers in NZ, face Chhattisgarh in Ranji Trophy.
In 2013, he joined Sri Lanka’s coaching setup as a bowling coach. He later returned to work with the team in different roles between 2016 and 2022. He has also served as a fast-bowling consultant and academy mentor with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), working with the young crop of fast bowlers to hone their skills.
Vaas also served as a short-term consultant with Ireland during the 2016 T20 World Cup, helping the squad prepare its fast bowlers for the tournament. The Sri Lankan legend has also the experience of working in the franchise cricket across the world.
He coached NYS Lagos in the 2024 Zim Afro T10 League and took charge of Kandy Royals as the head coach in the Lanka Premier League in 2026. His work across different teams and conditions has given him a better understanding of modern T20 cricket.
Chaminda Vaas’ coaching career explained -
- New Zealand (2012): Fast-bowling coach.
- Sri Lanka (2013–2022): National bowling coach, consultant, and academy mentor.
- Ireland (2016): Fast-bowling consultant for the T20 World Cup.
- NYS Lagos (2024): Coach in the Zim Afro T10 League.
- Kandy Royals (2026): Head coach in the Lanka Premier League.
- Delhi Capitals (Upcoming IPL season): Fast-bowling coach.
Can Vaas help Delhi Capitals build strong bowling attack?
As Delhi Capitals looks to get the best out of its young fast bowlers, Vaas’ knowledge of swing bowling, line and length, and handling different match situations could help Indian pacers improve their performances and help the team make a strong comeback in the IPL 2027.
