Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is set to take charge of Delhi Capitals as head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The franchise announced his appointment on October 6, with Ganguly replacing former India cricketer Hemang Badani. The move marks his first stint as head coach of an IPL team.
Ganguly has been associated with Delhi Capitals since 2019, when he joined the franchise as an adviser. He later served as Director of Cricket for both the men’s and women’s teams. His appointment builds on that experience and his recent work with Pretoria Capitals in South Africa’s SA20 league.
From International Cricket to Administration
Ganguly captained the Indian cricket team and later moved into commentary and television before taking up administrative roles. In 2015, he became president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), following the death of Jagmohan Dalmiya.
In 2019, he was appointed president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a position he held until 2022. After leaving the BCCI, Ganguly returned to the CAB presidency and continued his involvement in franchise cricket.
Coaching Experience with Pretoria Capitals
Ganguly’s coaching experience expanded in 2026 when he took charge of Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league. The team reached the final under his leadership, giving him experience in a head-coaching role before his move to Delhi Capitals.
His familiarity with the Capitals organisation is expected to be an advantage as he prepares for IPL 2027. The franchise finished sixth in the 2026 season and will look to improve its performance in the next edition.
Could India’s Head Coach Role Be a Future Option?
Ganguly has previously expressed openness to coaching the Indian national team, although he has not announced any such plan. His appointment at Delhi Capitals does not confirm an intention to pursue the India head coach position. Coaching a national team and managing an IPL franchise involve different responsibilities, and any future appointment would depend on separate decisions.
For now, Ganguly’s immediate focus will be preparing Delhi Capitals for the 2027 IPL season. The role adds another dimension to a career that has taken him from the cricket field to broadcasting, administration and franchise leadership.
