Delhi Capitals have named Sourav Ganguly head coach for IPL 2027, promoting the former India captain from his advisory and director of cricket roles. He replaces Hemang Badani, whose two seasons in charge ended without a playoff place, as the franchise chases a first IPL title.
Ganguly’s association with Delhi runs back to 2019, which makes the appointment less a new beginning than a change of hat. The franchise confirmed it on October 6, handing the 54-year-old a head coach’s job in the IPL for the first time.
From adviser to head coach
Ganguly joined Delhi Capitals in 2019 as an adviser and went on to serve as director of cricket across both the men’s and women’s sides. The head coach’s role is a different assignment, with day-to-day responsibility for the team’s results.
Chairman Parth Jindal framed the move as a natural step. In the franchise’s announcement he described Ganguly as one of the greatest Indian captains and administrators, now stepping into coaching, and said he was confident the team would be best prepared to challenge for the title under him. Ganguly, for his part, spoke of his pride in taking on the role at a franchise he called very close to his heart, and of building a strong and fearless team.
Why Delhi made the change
Badani coached Delhi for the previous two seasons, and the team missed out on the playoffs in both. Delhi finished sixth in IPL 2026. The appointment comes with the franchise still looking for its first IPL trophy since the tournament began in 2008.
What happens next
The first task for Ganguly is shaping the group for 2027. The full make-up of his coaching staff was not confirmed in the franchise’s announcement, and the squad decisions that traditionally follow the end of a season will test the new partnership early.
For a franchise that has long defined itself by its pursuit of a first title, the appointment offers a familiar face with a long history of working inside the club.
