Former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar will be joining the Delhi Capitals IPL team as an assistant coach, ahead of IPL 2022.
Agarkar was appointed after Delhi didn’t renew the contracts of Mohammad Kaif and Ajay Ratra, both of whom were assistant coaches for varying periods until the 2021 season. Kaif served in the role from 2019 while Ratra’s stint was limited to a single season (2021).
Agarkar will perform various roles and act as a deputy to head coach Ricky Ponting. He will be a part of the leadership group comprising Ponting, captain Rishabh Pant, batting coach Praveen Amre, and bowling coach James Hopes, an ESPN Cricinfo report said.
Agarkar will join the franchise after the completion of India’s home series against Sri Lanka on March 16, as he is a part of the Star Sports’ broadcasting team.
The coaching role with Delhi Capitals is a first for Agarkar who hasn’t held any such role previously.
He played for the Delhi Daredevils IPL team (now Delhi Capitals) from 2011 to 2013. He has also played for the Kolkata Knight Riders between 2008 and 2010. He has picked up 47 wickets in 62 T20 matches.
Delhi Capitals have been among the most consistent and successful teams in the last few seasons of the IPL. They have been in the playoffs in the last three years and made the final in 2020 when they lost to Mumbai Indians.
