Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has been appointed assistant and batting coach of Delhi Capitals ahead of next year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He will work alongside head coach Sourav Ganguly, his former India team-mate, as the franchise prepares for the upcoming campaign.
ESPNcricinfo reported in June that Ganguly had been appointed head coach, with Yuvraj set to take charge of the batting department. Delhi Capitals officially confirmed Ganguly’s appointment last week before announcing Yuvraj’s role on Tuesday.
The appointment marks Yuvraj’s first formal coaching position. One of India’s most celebrated limited-overs cricketers, he played a pivotal role in the country’s triumphs at the 2007 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Yuvraj expressed his excitement about beginning a new chapter with Delhi Capitals, a franchise with which he has longstanding ties. He also highlighted his familiarity with the team’s owners and his eagerness to work with Ganguly in a coaching capacity.
“I am thrilled to begin this new chapter of my life with Delhi Capitals. I have had a long association with the franchise and know the owners well, which makes this opportunity particularly special,” Yuvraj said in a statement.
He added that he was looking forward to teaming up with Ganguly, whom he affectionately referred to as ‘Dada’, this time as a coach rather than a team-mate.
Yuvraj also spoke about his passion for coaching and his enthusiasm for working with a talented group of players. He said he expected the experience to be an exciting journey and was eager to contribute to the team’s success.
Although this will be his first official coaching appointment, Yuvraj has already played a role in the development of several Indian batters. Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain, and Abhishek Sharma are among the players who have acknowledged his guidance and influence on their batting. His experience and understanding of the game could prove valuable as Delhi Capitals look to strengthen their batting line-up.
Yuvraj is no stranger to the franchise, having represented Delhi during the 2015 IPL season. The team signed him for Rs 16 crore ahead of the tournament, making him the most expensive player in IPL history at the time.
He played 14 matches for Delhi that season, scoring 248 runs and taking one wicket. Although his stint with the franchise was relatively brief, his return in a coaching role brings a different dimension to his association with the team.
Across his IPL career, Yuvraj played 132 matches, scoring 2,750 runs and claiming 36 wickets. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a valuable all-rounder during his playing days.
Yuvraj announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2019, bringing an end to a career that included numerous memorable performances for India. His six sixes in an over against England’s Stuart Broad during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 remain among the most iconic moments in the tournament’s history.
Since retiring, he has continued to share his experience and knowledge with younger players. His involvement in the development of emerging Indian batters has strengthened his credentials for a coaching role, even without previous experience in an official IPL coaching position.
For Delhi Capitals, the appointment represents an opportunity to combine Ganguly’s leadership and tactical experience with Yuvraj’s expertise in batting and player development. The franchise will hope the partnership can help its players improve their consistency and deliver stronger performances in the upcoming season.
The effectiveness of the new coaching combination will ultimately be judged by the team’s performances on the field. For Yuvraj, however, the appointment marks the beginning of a new professional chapter, allowing him to contribute to Indian cricket from the dugout rather than as a player.
