IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals confirm appointments of Hemang Badani, Venugopal Rao as head coach, director of cricket

Ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction, the Delhi Capitals (DC) have unveiled a fresh support staff. In a surprising move, the JSW-GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise has brought on board two former Indian cricket stalwarts to lead their charge for IPL glory.

Hemang Badani, the former dynamic all-rounder, has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Delhi Capitals (DC) with an aim for a fresh strategic direction for the team ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025.

Delhi Capitals (DC) appointed Hemang Badani as Head Coach, and Venugopal Rao as Director of Cricket ahead of the IPL 2025

Joining Badani in the leadership group is former explosive middle-order batter Venugopal Rao. Venugopal Rao has been given the crucial role of Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Delhi Capitals (DC) chairman and co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi and CEO Sunil Gupta welcomed Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao on the board as the team's new head coach and Director of Cricket respectively.

Badani replaced the Australian legend Ricky Ponting as Delhi Capitals’ (DC) head coach, while Venugopal came into the set-up as Sourav Ganguly’s successor as DC’s Director of Cricket. These appointments have raised many eyebrows, as the franchise showed doors to the two of legends.

DC Chief and CEO welcome Venugopal Rao and Hemang Badani to the coaching team

Mr. Grandhi said in an official DC release: “We are delighted to welcome Hemang and Venu to the Delhi Capitals. Both have been an integral part of our team for a long time, and we're excited to have them on board in a different role. With their proven track record as coaches, we're confident that their expertise will be invaluable in helping us achieve our objectives and drive success for the Delhi Capitals.”

Gupta welcomed the new coaching staff to DC by stating, “Hemang and Venu have both been a part of the Capitals family and are well-versed with our philosophy. We’re looking forward to working with them and achieving great things for the Delhi Capitals.”

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) newly-appointed Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao expressed his gratitude by saying that he has had a long-standing relationship with the franchise. He thanked the franchise owners for trusting him with this important role, as well as shared his excitement about the upcoming challenge as they enter the next cycle of the IPL.

I am thankful for the trust our owners have placed in me: Venugopal Rao

Rao represented India in 16 ODI matches, and he was part of the Deccan Chargers squad that won the IPL in 2009. He later represented Delhi Daredevils for three seasons from 2011 to 2013. The former Indian cricketer has also been involved with the Dubai Capitals, first as a mentor during the inaugural season of the ILT20 and then as the Director of Cricket in the next season.

Venugopal Rao said in a DC statement: “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. I look forward to this new challenge ahead of a new IPL cycle.”

On the other hand, Hemang Badani expressed his excitement after being appointed as the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Head Coach ahead of the much-anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction. Badani emphasized that the upcoming auction will be a key moment for him and the team.

It’s my absolute honor to be joining Delhi Capitals (DC): Hemang Badani

Hemang Badani stated: “It’s my absolute honor 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.”

Notably, Badani represented India in 4 Tests and 40 ODIs, and he brings a wealth of coaching experience from various leagues around the world to the DC. From 2021 to 2023, Badani served as both the fielding and batting coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL.

Badani's coaching success extends beyond the IPL, having led the Jaffna Kings to back-to-back Lankan Premier League (LPL) titles. He also played a key role as the batting coach for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, helping them to win the inaugural SA20. Additionally, he was the head coach of the Dubai Capitals, who made it to the ILT20 final earlier this year.