Delhi Capitals (DC) have bolstered their coaching staff for IPL 2025 by naming Munaf Patel, India’s former World Cup-winning pacer, as their new bowling coach. The announcement on Tuesday confirmed Munaf’s addition to a coaching team led by head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao.
This marks Munaf Patel’s first significant coaching role since his retirement from professional cricket in 2018. Renowned for his reverse swing and pinpoint yorkers, Munaf represented India in 86 matches across formats between 2006 and 2011. His IPL playing career includes stints with Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Lions, with the highlight being Mumbai Indians’ title win in 2013.
Munaf Patel joins DC’s revamped coaching lineup led by Hemang Badani
Munaf succeeds former Australian all-rounder James Hopes, who exited DC along with head coach Ricky Ponting in July 2024. DC has since shifted focus toward building an Indian-led coaching team to maximize expertise on domestic conditions and pitches.
The Capitals are gearing up for the IPL 2025 mega auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, with the third-highest budget of INR 73 crore. Key retained players like Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel remain pivotal to their campaign as DC aims to break their three-year playoff drought.
Munaf Patel’s wealth of experience is expected to strengthen DC’s bowling unit as they seek improved performances in the upcoming season.
