IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals have finalized their support staff for the next two seasons of IPL, wrapping up their recruitment exercise. For the next two years, Hemang Badani will assume the role of head coach, while his former teammate Venugopal Rao will be the director of cricket.
Solid Leadership Base
It is not the first time, as both Badani and Rao have a long history as they played together for MRF in the Chennai league. Professional closeness has led to a collaborative approach, as the management gave them carte blanche to select the remaining coaching staff. This follows the decision to terminate the contract of head coach Ricky Ponting who had been with the team for seven years.
Experience And Previous Involvement
Experienced coach, Venugopal Rao, 42, played 16 ODIs and has represented Delhi Capitals in the past. Hemang Badani, 47, played four Tests and 40 ODIs for India. Both coaches have experience in the subsidiaries (s) of the franchise, including the ILT20 in the UAE and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US. Interesting to note is that both teams are owned by Kiran Kumar Grandhi of the GMR Group, one of the co-owners of the Delhi Capitals along with JSW Group.
The future of Rishabh Pant with the Delhi Capitals is still talkable. In fact, after his recent social media post, speculation regarding his status has been heard all over. However, he will reportedly continue with the team until confirmed after the current Test assignment, as according to reports, the franchise will complete the process of player retentions before October 31.
Also Read: Heinrich Klaasen Leads Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Retention Strategy For IPL 2025!
Players Testing Market Value
Perhaps one trend that’s very glaring in this season of IPL is the fact that many players decide not to get retained and choose to test the waters of an auction instead. The new Right to Match (RTM) rule gives franchises a final last chance to match the highest bid, thereby changing the nature of player negotiations. It has elicited mixed reactions from franchises but empowers player agents for better deals on behalf of their clients.
IPL Auction Venue
Speculation as to where the IPL auction would be held includes options from among a Saudi city, Singapore, or Vienna. The auction is expected to take place by November-end, and franchises have been all hoping for the venue announcement so that they may settle travel plans of their delegations.
