Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
Delhi Capitals were so close yet so far to their elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2020. The Shreyas Iyer led side finished as the runners up of the tournament last year. Although there are doubts over their captain's availability for this season of the tournament, the franchise have strengthened their coaching staff for the season. While Ricky Ponting will continue to lead the coaching staff of the team, the management has roped in a former India wicketkeeper to assist him in his duties.
Would like to welcome Ajay Ratra to the Delhi Capitals family: DC CEO
DC announced the appointment of Ajay Ratra as the team's assistant coach for the upcoming season of the IPL. "I am honoured to join Delhi Capitals as Assistant Coach. This is a very exciting team to work with, abundant with talent," Ratra said on his appointment. The 39-year-old recently coached the Assam state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare tournaments.
Meanwhile, DC CEO Vinod Bisht has also expressed his delight on the appointment Ratra. "We would like to welcome Ajay Ratra to the Delhi Capitals family," he said. "His experience, as player and coach will be invaluable, as we look to take the franchise from strength to strength. We are excited to have him on board, and wish him all the very best for the upcoming season," he added.
Notably, this will be Ratra's first coaching stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 39-year-old recently coached the Assam state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ratra made history in 2002 when he became the youngest wicketkeeper (aged 20) to score a Test hundred, and the second Indian wicketkeeper to score a century overseas.
He joins the Delhi Capitals coaching staff of Ponting, Mohammad Kaif, Pravin Amre and James Hopes.