Delhi Capitals have officially appointed former India captain Sourav Ganguly as their head coach ahead of the IPL 2027 season, deepening a relationship with the franchise that stretches back to 2019. The announcement was confirmed by the club on Tuesday, October 6.
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The Announcement
The Delhi Capitals confirmed Ganguly’s appointment via a social media post, playfully captioned “Dilli, it’s time for Dadagiri,” referencing Ganguly’s popular nickname, “Dada.” Delhi Capitals co-owner and JSW Sports founder Parth Jindal welcomed the move with enthusiasm, describing Ganguly as having always been an integral part of the Delhi Capitals family, and expressing pride that one of India’s greatest captains and administrators was now stepping into coaching by taking charge of the team. Jindal added confidence that Ganguly’s guidance and visionary leadership would put the Capitals in a strong position to challenge for the IPL title.
Appointment Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| New Head Coach | Sourav Ganguly |
| Age | 54 |
| Franchise | Delhi Capitals |
| Season | IPL 2027 |
| Replaces | Hemang Badani (head coach since 2024) |
| Previous DC Role | Advisor (since 2019), team mentor |
| DC’s 2026 Finish | 6th place |
| Franchise Titles | None (yet to win an IPL title) |
| Ganguly’s Prior Coaching Experience | Pretoria Capitals (SA20 2025, maiden coaching role); Delhi Capitals WPL team |
| Expected Batting Coach | Yuvraj Singh (not yet officially confirmed) |
What Ganguly Said
Speaking on his new role, Ganguly called Delhi Capitals a franchise very close to his heart, pointing to the strong relationship he’s built with it over the years. He said the squad has talent and has played good cricket recently, adding that he’s looking forward to working with the team ahead of the new season and building a strong, fearless unit.
A Long-Standing Association
Ganguly’s ties to Delhi Capitals date back to 2019, when he first joined the franchise as an advisor working alongside then-head coach Ricky Ponting, helping guide the team — then freshly rebranded from Delhi Daredevils — to a playoff finish that year for the first time in seven seasons. He has remained closely connected to the organisation since, including involvement with the franchise’s Women’s Premier League team. This marks his first head coaching role with the senior IPL side, following his maiden professional coaching assignment at Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 earlier in 2025.
Why the Change Was Needed
Delhi Capitals, who have never won the IPL title, finished sixth in the 2026 season under a coaching staff led by Hemang Badani as head coach, alongside team director Venugopal Rao, bowling coach Munaf Patel, and assistant coach Ian Bell. Reports had indicated since June that the franchise was expected to overhaul that setup, with Ganguly’s appointment confirming the most significant change to the backroom staff.
Why It Matters
Bringing in a figure as experienced and respected as Ganguly — both as a former India captain and a long-serving presence within the Delhi Capitals setup — signals the franchise’s intent to finally push past its title drought. With his first senior head coaching assignment now official, all eyes will be on how he reshapes the squad and support staff ahead of IPL 2027.
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FAQs
Who has Sourav Ganguly replaced as Delhi Capitals head coach?
Hemang Badani, who had held the role since 2024.
What was Ganguly’s previous role with Delhi Capitals?
He served as an advisor and team mentor since 2019, and has also been involved with the franchise’s WPL team.
Has Ganguly coached professionally before this role?
Yes, he was head coach of Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 2025 season, his first professional coaching assignment.
How did Delhi Capitals perform in IPL 2026?
They finished sixth in the table.
Has Delhi Capitals ever won an IPL title?
No, the franchise has never won the IPL title.
