Former India pacer Munaf Patel has joined the Delhi Capitals coaching setup ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the franchise announced on Tuesday.
Patel, who was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having played in 70 ODIs, 13 Tests, and multiple IPL campaigns.
This move is part of a broader shake-up within the Capitals’ camp, which recently appointed former Indian cricketers Hemang Badani as head coach and Venugopal Rao as Director of Cricket. These appointments follow the departure of Ricky Ponting, who concluded his tenure as head coach last season.
Patel enjoyed a decorated international career, picking up 86 wickets in ODIs and 35 wickets in Tests. In the IPL, he played for Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Lions, accumulating an impressive 76 wickets in 65 matches across his stints.
Patel’s deep understanding of the game and his experience as a player in high-pressure environments are expected to bolster Delhi Capitals’ ambitions for the upcoming season.
Delhi Capitals have also made bold roster decisions ahead of this month’s mega auction. Notably, the franchise released former skipper Rishabh Pant, signaling a fresh direction for the team. Pant’s exit comes as a surprise, given his central role in recent years, but the Capitals have retained key Indian internationals Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
In addition, the team has shown confidence in uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel, retaining him for another season. South African all-rounder Tristan Stubbs, known for his explosive batting, also remains in the squad.
The addition of Munaf Patel and the appointments of Badani and Rao mark a significant shift in the Capitals’ approach. Hemang Badani, who has worked extensively as a coach in domestic and franchise cricket, and Rao, a seasoned cricket administrator, are expected to lead the franchise into a new era.
Delhi Capitals, still in search of their maiden IPL title, appear to be building a strong team. Patel’s role in shaping the team’s bowling unit could prove crucial as they aim to break their title drought in 2025.
The upcoming mega auction and the start of the IPL season will reveal how this restructured coaching and playing group translates into success on the field. Fans will watch closely as the Capitals, under their new leadership, attempt to rewrite their IPL story.
