Following Ricky Ponting's recent resignation as head coach of the Delhi Capitals, there are hints that the franchise is looking to enlist a former Indian cricketer for the role. Among the potential candidates is former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who could make a comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a five-year hiatus, but this time in a coaching capacity. According to a report from Sportstar, the Delhi Capitals have approached the 2011 World Cup winner to consider the head coach position, with discussions currently in progress.
This news comes on the heels of previous speculation regarding Yuvraj taking on the coaching role for Gujarat Titans (GT), although recent updates suggest that Ashish Nehra may continue as GT's head coach. Additionally, Gujarat Titans are now in pursuit of an Indian coach to fill the vacancy left by batting coach Gary Kirsten, who has taken on the head coaching responsibilities for the Pakistan national team.
Ricky Ponting left his position after a seven-season stint with the Delhi Capitals, during which the team struggled to reach the playoffs, failing to qualify for the last three seasons. If Yuvraj Singh accepts the head coach role for Delhi Capitals, it would mark his coaching debut.
Yuvraj played in the IPL from 2008 to 2019, representing several franchises including Punjab Kings, Pune Warriors India, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. In his final IPL season with the Mumbai Indians in 2019, he celebrated the team’s fourth title victory against CSK. Notably, he missed the 2012 IPL season due to cancer treatment.
There was also earlier speculation that Sourav Ganguly, the cricket director for Delhi Capitals, might be named head coach, with the former India captain expressing interest in the position. In addition to his role with the Delhi Capitals, Ganguly also oversees the franchise's sister teams in the ILT20 league, Dubai Capitals, and the SA-T20 League team, Pretoria Capitals.