Former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar has joined Delhi Capitals as assistant coach for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.
Agarkar will join the coaching team of bowling coach James Hope, assistant coaches Shane Watson and Praveen Amre. The support staff will be headed by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who has done a fine job in the last couple of seasons.
Meanwhile, the franchise had decided to part ways with Mohammad Kaif and Ajay Ratra, who were associated with the team in the last season. Delhi Capitals is yet to announce their fielding coach for the forthcoming season.
Agarkar, who has been recently seen doing commentary stints for Star Sports, is delighted to join hands with Delhi Capitals.
“I am very excited to be part of the Delhi Capitals squad for this season,” Agarkar said. “I have been lucky enough to be a player and to be returning in a different capacity. It’s obviously very exciting. We have a young and terrific squad led by one of the most talented players in the world – Rishabh Pant. And the coach Ricky Ponting has been a legend of the game. Looking forward to working with them, can’t wait to get started and create some special memories.”
Meanwhile, Agarkar has the experience of playing for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Agarkar played 42 matches in the IPL in which he scalped 29 wickets. Furthermore, he played four T20Is for the Indian team in which he snared three wickets. He was also part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007.
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals have been a consistent team in the last couple of seasons. Delhi had finished as the runners-up in IPL 2020 and also qualified for the playoff stages in the previous season.
DC Squad: Batters: Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Mandeep Singh, Ashwin Hebbar, Rovman Powell, Sarfaraz Khan, Yash Dhull
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, KS Bharat, Tim Seifert
Allrounders: Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Ripal Patel, Mitchell Marsh
Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed, Lungi Ngidi, Chetan Sakariya, Praveen Dubey, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Mustafizur Rahman.