IPL 2025: Have Delhi Capitals parted ways with Sourav Ganguly too after Ricky Ponting?

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New Delhi, Oct 17: Former India left-hander Hemang Badani is reportedly emerging as the front-runner to become the new head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC), marking a potential shift in the franchise's leadership structure. Also Read: Hemang Badani Leads the Race to Become Delhi Capitals Head Coach

With Australian Ricky Ponting parting ways with the team due to availability concerns, the Capitals appear to be leaning towards home-grown talent to fill the top coaching role. Additionally, former India pacer Munaf Patel is also being considered for a role within the support staff, likely as a bowling coach.

Ricky Ponting had been a crucial part of DC's think tank since 2018, overseeing the franchise's journey to the playoffs and their maiden IPL final appearance in 2020. However, his exit, announced a few weeks ago, left a significant void. In response, the management seems to be exploring Indian coaches, with Badani becoming a serious contender.

"DC management is looking at quality home-grown coaches, and Hemang and Munaf's names have come up. While a final decision is yet to be made, Munaf Patel could get the bowling coach's job," an IPL source revealed on the condition of anonymity to PTI.

Badani, who played four Tests and 40 ODIs between 2001 and 2004, is best remembered for his ODI century against Australia during the memorable 2001 series. After playing, Badani built a reputation as a coach and mentor by working with Brian Lara at Sunrisers Hyderabad. If he secures the DC role, it will be a major breakthrough in his coaching career.

The coaching shift coincides with a change in Delhi Capitals' internal operations, as co-owners GMR and JSW alternate control of team management every two years. GMR will now be taking the lead, and Badani's name has reportedly gained traction under the new regime.

What Lies Ahead for Sourav Ganguly?

This potential change raises questions about the future of Sourav Ganguly, who was DC's Director of Cricket last season. Ganguly had expressed his desire to step into a coaching role for the franchise. In a recent interview with Aajkaal, the former India captain said, "Why not me? Let's see if I can do it or not. We need to rope in some new players. I even wanted to bring in Jamie Smith from England for DC's SA20 side, but England's tour of India made it complicated."

Ganguly's ambition to coach DC aligns with his aspiration to explore a new dimension in his career, but the franchise's current focus on Badani suggests that Ganguly may not take over in the immediate future. Whether he stays on in an advisory capacity or seeks opportunities elsewhere remains to be seen.

Delhi Capitals' IPL 2025 Retention Strategy and Budget Outlook

Delhi Capitals are also expected to finalise their retentions ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. As per reports, the franchise will likely retain captain Rishabh Pant (₹18 crore), all-rounder Axar Patel (₹14 crore), and spinner Kuldeep Yadav (₹11 crore).

Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tristan Stubbs, who impressed last season, could be retained through Right to Match (RTM) cards, provided their price tags fit within DC's budget constraints. With five retentions expected to cost around ₹75 crore, DC will need to be mindful of their remaining purse while strategising their squad.