IPL 2022: Delhi Capitals appoint Ajit Agarkar as assistant coach

The Delhi Capitals were one of the teams who had made some important buys at the IPL 2022 mega auction earlier this month in order to rebuild their squad for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. While the Capitals welcomed some new players on board at the two-day event in Bengaluru, lately, it has been confirmed that they have also made a new addition to their coaching staff by roping in a former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar with a new role for him.

According to a report in ESPN Cricinfo, Ajit Agarkar has been named the new assistant coach of the Delhi-based franchise ahead of the 15th edition of the marquee tournament. The report states that Agarkar, who is currently in the Star Sports’ broadcast panel for the bilateral series against Sri Lanka starting February 24 will join the franchise after the conclusion of the home series on March 16.

Ajit Agarkar has also represented Delhi as a player in IPL

The 44-year-old would reportedly be performing various roles apart from acting as head coach Ricky Ponting’s deputy and will now be a part of the core leadership group featuring the likes of skipper Rishabh Pant, batting coach Pravin Amre, and, bowling coach James Hopes. The 2020 finalists have decided to bring the veteran all-rounder on board after not renewing the contracts of former middle-order batter Mohammad Kaif and ex-stumper Ajay Ratra respectively. While Kaif was DC’s assistant coach from the 2019 season, Ratra had held the position for only the 2021 edition.

Ajit Agarkar has also represented Delhi as a player in IPL. He was a part of the now-defunct Delhi Daredevils from 2011 to 2013. In the 42 IPL matches that he has played, the Mumbai cricketer scored 179 runs averaging 17.9, a strike rate of 116.23 and has 29 scalps to his name at an average of 39.69 and an economy of 8.83. He had played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three editions from 2008 to 2010.

The Delhi Capitals might not have that many superstars which they had in the last couple of seasons despite buying David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Mustafizur Rahman, Lungi Ngidi, but, this squad is still balanced and Rishabh Pant would be raring to take his team to the elusive title.