Sourav Ganguly named Delhi Capitals head coach for IPL 2027

Sourav Ganguly has been appointed head coach of the Delhi Capitals for the Indian Premier League 2027 season, the franchise announced on October 6, 2026. The former India captain will take charge of the team for the first time as an IPL head coach after serving in several roles within the organisation since 2019.

Ganguly has been associated with the Capitals since 2019 and has held multiple positions, including Director of Cricket for both the men's and women's teams. He succeeds Hemang Badani, who spent two seasons as head coach. The franchise has chosen not to retain bowling coach Munaf Patel, team director Venugopal Rao and assistant coach Ian Bell. Delhi finished sixth in IPL 2026 after ending the previous season in fifth place.

The 54-year-old first took on a head coach role last year when he oversaw Pretoria Capitals in SA20. Under his charge, Pretoria reached the final of the South African T20 competition. Ganguly also serves as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal.

"I am looking forward to taking on the role of Head Coach in the IPL. Delhi Capitals is a franchise very close to my heart, and one that I have shared a strong relationship with over the years," Ganguly said. "We have a talented group and have played a good brand of cricket in the recent past. I am looking forward to working with the squad, the new season, and building a strong and fearless team."

The Capitals' official Twitter account posted: "Dilli, it's time for Dadagiri Sourav Ganguly, Head Coach of the Tigers https://t.co/EMTPQ9TB64— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 6, 2026." Ganguly is expected to bring in his own support staff. It has also been widely speculated that former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh could join his coaching group at the Capitals.

Ganguly will work with a leadership group that features captain Axar Patel and senior batter KL Rahul. Delhi also brought Rishabh Pant back from Lucknow Super Giants after IPL 2026, strengthening an experienced Indian core. Ganguly had spoken about the possibility of taking over as Delhi's head coach as early as last year, when he addressed the media ahead of the SA20 season.

"Dada is and has always been an integral part of the Delhi Capitals family," Jindal said. "I am incredibly proud and honoured to announce that one of the greatest Indian captains and administrators is now stepping into coaching by taking over as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals." Co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi also backed the appointment, highlighting Ganguly's understanding of the franchise and its cricketing structure.

Ganguly will now oversee the Capitals' planning ahead of the IPL auction later this year. With IPL 2027 set to be the final season before the next mega auction, significant changes to the squad are unlikely.