Delhi Capitals (DC) has appointed a new head coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. The franchise hopes that this change in the coaching staff will help turn around their fortunes after a disappointing 2024 season, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs.

DC announces new head coach ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

As Delhi Capitals gears up for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, the franchise has also restructured its coaching and management team. Along with the appointment of Breathe Dancers as head coach and former India batter, Venugopal Rao has been named the new Director of Cricket. These strategic appointments indicate the franchise’s intent to build a more competitive unit and improve on their recent underwhelming performances.

Known for his extensive coaching experience in domestic T20 leagues, Badani is looking forward to collaborating with his coaching staff as they prepare for the mega auction and the challenges ahead.

New head coach expresses enthusiasm for upcoming challenge

Badani expressed his gratitude for joining Delhi Capitals, thanking the owners for their trust. He acknowledged the upcoming mega auction as a key focus and looked forward to working with the coaching staff to begin his role.

“It’s my absolute honour 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,” Badani said in a franchise release.

Meanwhile, Rao’s promotion reflects the franchise’s belief in his cricketing knowledge and leadership abilities. As Director of Cricket, he will play a critical role in overseeing the strategic direction of the team, especially in the lead-up to the new IPL cycle.

“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,” said Rao.

Proven success in T20 leagues

Badani’s coaching credentials are well-established, having achieved considerable success in various domestic T20 circuits. Badani was the head coach of the Chepauk Super Gilliesa franchise that won the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) title three times under his leadership. His familiarity with T20 cricket dynamics is expected to bring a fresh approach to the Delhi Capitals’ strategies.

In addition to his domestic achievements, Badani has experience coaching in international T20 leagues. He served as the fielding coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad during the IPL 2022 season and was the coaching consultant for Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024where the team emerged victorious.