Badani replaced Ricky Ponting, while Rao replaced Sourav Ganguly at DC support staff.
Ahead of the IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals (DC) have appointed former India cricketers Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao as Head Coach (IPL) and Director of Cricket (IPL) respectively.
Venugopal Rao played 16 ODIs for India, was a member of the Deccan Chargers' 2009 IPL winning side, and spent three seasons with the Delhi Daredevils (2011-13). He has also been a member of the Dubai Capitals family, working as a mentor in the first season and Director of Cricket in the next.
Badani, who played four Tests and forty One-Day Internationals for India, has a remarkable coaching record throughout leagues. He worked as a fielding coach and batting coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL from 2021 to 2023. He also coached the Jaffna Kings to two straight Lankan Premier League championships.
Badani also served as batting coach for the SA20 champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape team in its debut season. The 47-year-old was also the Head Coach of the Dubai Capitals, which advanced to this year's ILT20 final.
Speaking on the occasion, Badani said, “It’s my absolute honour to be joining Delhi Capitals, and I’m deeply grateful to our owners for trusting me with the job. With the mega auction around the corner, my job, in collaboration with the rest of our coaching staff, is cut out. I can’t wait to get started.”
Badani has replaced Ricky Ponting as DC head coach, a position the former Australia captain held for seven seasons.
“My association with the franchise has been a long-standing one, and I am thankful for the trust our owners have placed in me by offering me this role. I look forward to this new challenge ahead of a new IPL cycle,” Venugopal Rao stated.
Venugopal Rao takes over as DC director of cricket from former India captain Sourav Ganguly.
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman & Co-owner, Delhi Capitals said, "We are delighted to welcome Hemang and Venu to Delhi Capitals. Both have been an integral part of our team for a long time, and we're excited to have them on board in a different role. With their proven track record as coaches, we're confident that their expertise will be invaluable in helping us achieve our objectives and drive success for Delhi Capitals."
DC announced the appointments on social media: “We're delighted to welcome Venugopal Rao & Hemang Badani in their roles as Director of Cricket (IPL) & Head Coach (IPL) respectively. Here's to a new beginning with a roaring vision for success"