The Delhi Capitals are gearing up for a new chapter in their IPL journey, having officially finalized their support staff for the next two seasons. With some uncertainty still lingering over the future of Rishabh Pant’s captaincy, the franchise has taken decisive steps by appointing Hemang Badani as head coach and Venugopal Rao as director of cricket. Both bring a wealth of experience and a long-standing partnership, which will be key in steering Delhi toward its elusive IPL title.
Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao: A Partnership Forged in Cricket
Badani and Rao aren’t just seasoned professionals—they’re a well-oiled machine. Their bond goes back to playing for MRF in the competitive Chennai league, and their synergy has already been proven in multiple leagues. This includes guiding the Dubai Capitals in the UAE and the Seattle Orcas in the US-based Major League Cricket, both owned by Delhi Capitals co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi.
This pairing represents a strategic shift for Delhi, moving away from the era of international coaching stardom led by Ricky Ponting, who served as the franchise’s head coach for seven years. Instead of chasing big names, Delhi has opted for homegrown expertise, signaling a new direction that’s focused more on chemistry and understanding than reputation.
Captaincy Conundrum: Axar Patel’s Potential Rise
As Rishabh Pant prepares for another season, his future as the team’s captain hangs in the balance. Reports suggest the Capitals’ management might relieve him of captaincy duties, allowing him to play with more freedom. If that happens, Axar Patel is the likely candidate to step up as the next leader. This decision would allow Pant to focus on his performance, while Axar’s all-round abilities and growing leadership presence could offer a fresh dynamic to the team.
Delhi Capitals are expected to retain their core Indian players, including Pant (₹18 crore), Axar Patel (₹14 crore), and Kuldeep Yadav (₹11 crore). As the auction looms, the franchise may also look to secure rising stars like Jake-Fraser McGurk and Tristan Stubbs using the newly introduced Right to Match (RTM) rule, which empowers teams to compete for players with more flexibility in bidding.
Auction Buzz and Overseas Venue Speculation
One of the hottest topics surrounding IPL 2025 is the upcoming auction, which may take place overseas for the first time. While Saudi Arabia and Singapore were previously mentioned as potential venues, Vienna has now entered the conversation. Franchises are eagerly awaiting the official announcement to plan their strategies and prepare their delegations.
The new RTM rule has also caused a stir, encouraging some high-profile players to explore their market value in the auction. This rule gives the highest bidder one final opportunity to match any bid for their desired player, adding another layer of intrigue to the auction process. As player agents negotiate behind the scenes, the auction promises to be an intense affair with plenty of surprises.
The Road Ahead: Building Toward an IPL Title
Despite reaching their first IPL final in 2020, the Delhi Capitals are still chasing that elusive title. With Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao now in charge, the franchise is clearly focused on building a team with long-term success in mind. If they can harness their experience and innovative approach, the Capitals could finally be on the path to securing their first-ever championship.
The next few months will be crucial for Delhi Capitals as they navigate leadership changes, player retentions, and an unpredictable auction. The only certainty is that the team is ready to embrace a fresh direction—and with that comes the hope of rewriting their IPL history.