IPL 2021: Former Indian wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra joins Delhi Capitals as assistant coach

Former Indian wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra has been signed up as the assistant coach of the Delhi Capitals franchise for the Indian Premier League 2021. Ratra will join the list of coaching staff at Delhi Capitals which already includes Ricky Ponting as head coach, Pravin Amre as team manager, and Mohammad Kaif as an assistant coach. James Hopes, Ryan Harris, and Samuel Badree are also part of the coaching set-up. 

In a statement, Ratra expressed his happiness to join the franchise. This is the first time the 39-year-old will have a stint at the cash-rich league. He was the head coach of the Assam team in the recently held Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy. He has previously been involved with the Punjab team and also the Indian national women’s team as the fielding and wicketkeeping coach. 

“I am honoured to join Delhi Capitals as Assistant Coach. This is a very exciting team to work with, abundant with talent. I can’t wait to meet the team and contribute to its success. I am grateful to the Delhi Capitals management for giving me this wonderful opportunity,” Ratra said in a statement and was quoted by Hindustan Times. 

His experience, as player and coach will be invaluable: Delhi Capitals CEO Vinod Bisht on Ajay Ratra

The Chief Executive Officer of the Delhi Capitals, Vinod Bisht, also commented on the development. “We would like to welcome Ajay Ratra to the Delhi Capitals family,” said Bisht.

“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.”

Ajay Ratra had a brief international career while playing for India. He played all his six Tests and 12 ODIs in the year 2002. In the same year, he had also become the youngest Indian wicketkeeper to score a Test hundred at the age of 20. Unfortunately, that turned out to be his only score of 50+ in international cricket. He ended his playing career with 99 first-class, 89 List A, and 17 T20 matches. 

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