Former Indian cricketers Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao are now part of the Delhi Capitals. Hemang Badani took on the role of Head Coach (IPL) and Venugopal Rao became the Director of Cricket (IPL) right before the 2025 IPL mega auction.
“We are delighted to welcome Hemang and Venu to Delhi Capitals. Both have been an integral part of our team for a long time, and we’re excited to have them on board in a different role. With their proven track record as coaches, we’re confident that their expertise will be invaluable in helping us achieve our objectives and drive success for Delhi Capitals,” said Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman & Co-owner of Delhi Capitals.
Venugopal Rao stated, “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,”
On the announcement the new head coach Hemang Badani shared, “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.”
Venugopal Rao, who appeared in 16 ODIs for India, was part of the 2009 IPL-winning team with Deccan Chargers and played three seasons with Delhi Daredevils (2011-13). He also served as a mentor and later as the Director of Cricket for Dubai Capitals.
Hemang Badani, who played 4 Tests and 40 ODIs for India has a strong coaching background. From 2021 to 2023, he was with Sunrisers Hyderabad as a fielding coach and then as a batting coach.
He also led the Jaffna Kings to two successive Lankan Premier League titles, and was the Head Coach of Dubai Capitals, who reached the ILT20 final this year.
