IPL 2020 runners-up Delhi Capitals (DC) failed to reach the playoffs in the last three seasons. So they are unsurprisingly desperate to change their present records. After recording their three successive playoff advances, including playing in the IPL 2020 final, DC finished in the 5th, 9th, and 8th places, respectively, in the last three IPL seasons.  

Delhi Capitals had to leave Rishabh Pant and retained only four players. Although they spent INR 43.75 crore to retain four players, they had to deduct INR 47 crore due to the official rules. It meant that they could spend INR 73 crore in the mega auction. 

Delhi Capitals: Key additions from the mega auction

Delhi Capitals put in a strong bid for KL Rahul as they set him in the squad by splurging INR 14 crore. Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who was the most expensive player in the IPL auction history as Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for INR 24.75 crore during the IPL 2024 auction, joined the Capitals for INR 11.75 crore. The franchise also signed T Natarajan for INR 10.75 crore.

DC used RTM for the Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGruk and Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar for INR 9 crore and 8 crore, respectively, which is lesser than the official retained values. They also won the bid for Harry Brook, Faf du Plessis, Mohit Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, etc. 

SEE ALSO: IPL 2025: Ranking all ten teams squads post the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

DC Full Squad

Batters: (RTM) Jake Fraser-McGruk (Australian), Harry Brook (English), Faf du Plessis (South African)

Wicketkeepers: Tristian Stubbs (retained/South African), Abhishek Porel (retained), KL Rahul, Donovan Ferreira (South African)

All-rounders: Axar Patel (retained), Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Darshan Nalkande, Vipraj Nigam, Ajay Mandal, Manvanth Kumar, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari 

Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav (retained)

Pacers: (RTM) Mukesh Kumar, Mitchell Starc (Australian), Dushmantha Chameera (Sri Lankan), T Natarajan, Mohit Sharma 

Brief SWOT analysis

Delhi Capitals have great names in the batting line-up. From top-order to middle-order, the team has batters who have set examples with their consistent performances in the shorter format. DC all-rounders are full of talented Indians, but Axar Patel is the only experienced one of them. 

As Delhi Capitals have strong names in the batting and bowling, the inexperienced all-rounders will get strong support. However, except for KL Rahul, Abhishek Porel, and Axar Patel, there are no strong Indian names in the batting line-up. 

Delhi Capitals have strong and experienced pace-bowling lineups. Talking about their spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel will take the main charges. 

DC Best Possible XI for IPL 2025

KL Rahul, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Tristan Stubbs/Harry Brook, Abishek Porel, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel, Mitchell Starc, Mohit Sharma/Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, T. Natarajan

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, saw KL Rahul emerge as one of the most prominent names. The stylish wicketkeeper-batter was snapped up by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore, a figure that sparked debates among fans and analysts. Known for his versatility, Rahul's ability to switch seamlessly between defensive and attacking gears makes him a rare asset. Moreover, his leadership qualities and consistent performances at the top of the order underline his value in a team lacking experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batters. Considering these attributes, many felt that Rahul deserved a price closer to ₹16 crore.  

Rahul's acquisition could be a game-changer for Delhi Capitals, addressing their need for a solid opening batter and a potential captain. His adaptability in anchoring innings or accelerating when required makes him a match-winner in any situation. While ₹14 crore seems substantial, it arguably undervalues a player who embodies both stability and dynamism.

Breakdown of KL Rahul's 14cr Price Tag 

KL Rahul's journey in the IPL since 2020 underscores his consistency as one of the league’s most dependable batters. From leading runs charts to being a captain and a wicketkeeper, Rahul has been a vital cog in his teams’ setups. Even in challenging seasons, his ability to accumulate runs with remarkable consistency sets him apart. His performance in IPL 2020 was a testament to his dominance, scoring 668 runs at an average of 55.7 and a strike rate of 129, including five fifties and a century. His ability to deliver match-winning performances was evident as he anchored his team through the season.  

See Also: Shreyas Iyer: A leader worthy of ₹26.75 Cr or an overpriced gamble?

KL Rahul and his IPL saga since last few years

The 2021 and 2022 seasons saw Rahul continue his purple patch, amassing 626 and 616 runs, respectively, at phenomenal averages of over 55. He showcased his versatility with strike rates of 138.8 and 135.4, proving his ability to accelerate when needed. The hallmark of his batting was not just the volume of runs but also his composure under pressure. Whether it was setting a foundation or finishing strong, Rahul was always at the forefront, contributing both as a batter and a leader.  

Even in 2023, a season marred by injury that saw him play just nine matches, Rahul demonstrated resilience by scoring 274 runs. Although his strike rate of 113.2 was below his usual standards, it reflected his adaptability to manage his game amidst limitations. Returning in 2024, Rahul silenced critics by scoring 520 runs, reinforcing his capability as a top-order batter. His strike rate of 136.1 and four fifties highlighted that, despite setbacks, he remains a premier performer in the league.  

What sets KL Rahul apart is his multidimensional role as a wicketkeeper-batter and his proven leadership qualities. In a league where Indian wicketkeeper-batters are scarce, Rahul’s profile is invaluable. His ability to balance stability and aggression, coupled with his captaincy credentials, makes him a complete package. For a player who has consistently delivered over 500 runs per season (barring injury), his ₹14 crore price tag at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction feels underwhelming.  

Rahul’s proven track record, even in challenging phases, justifies a valuation closer to ₹16 crore. His consistent performances and ability to adapt to different roles make him a pivotal asset for Delhi Capitals. Underpaid or not, Rahul is set to redefine his worth in IPL 2025, showcasing why he remains one of the league’s elite players.

Star India batter KL Rahul and all-rounder Axar Patel will lead Delhi Capitals in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League, confirmed DC co-owner Parth Jindal. The franchise acquire KL Rahul for a price of Rs 14 crore in the IPL auction on Sunday, November 24. DC beat bids from KKR, RCB and CSK to buy the player as well.

Speaking via an official press release, Jindal also said that both players will guide the junior players of the team and he will be expected to lead the side next season as well. The franchise also signed 9 players on Day 1 of the IPL mega auction buying players like Mitchell Starc, Harry Brook and KL Rahul. The team also activated the Right To Match (RTM) card for Jake Fraser-McGurk at Rs 9 crore as well.

“We were looking for stability in the top order, someone with experience who can build the innings" - Parth Jindal

“We were looking for stability in the top order, someone with experience who can build the innings. And, I think KL Rahul, given his record in the IPL, he's someone who's consistently given more than 400 runs every season. I think with the Kotla wicket, it is going to suit his game. We're very excited to have him,” Parth Jindal said after the auction.

“We have a very young batting lineup. Both KL and Axar are going to lead them and are going to guide them. KL's batting and experience will be a vital cog in the wheel,” he further explained.

SEE ALSO: IPL 2025 to start on March 14; Dates revealed for next three seasons

England player Harry Brook was snapped up for Rs 6.25 crore, whereas Indian players T Natarajan and Karun Nair were bought for Rs 10.75 crore and Rs 50 lakh, respectively, in the latter half of the day. However, Delhi Capitals also acquired the services of domestic players Sameer Rizvi (Rs 95 lakh) and Ashutosh Sharma (Rs 3.80 crore) respectively along with experienced speedster Mohit Sharma (Rs 2.20 crore).

Jindal also confirmed that DC will search for more bowlers on Day 2 of the IPL auction. Several Indian players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mukesh Kumar are available in the auction pool from where they will target.

“We just went for the best available talent. We're looking for a couple more bowlers tomorrow. I think the bowling attack will be very strong. Batting is also strong. Overall, it's going to be a very competitive squad," Jindal said.

Players acquired by DC on Day 1 of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction:

1. Mitchell Starc (Australia) - Bowler - Rs 11.75 crore
2. KL Rahul (India) - WK-Batter - Rs. 14 crore
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia) - Batter - Rs. 9 crore (RTM)
4. Harry Brook (England) - Batter - Rs. 6.25 crore
5. T Natarajan (India) - Bowler - Rs. 10.75 crore
6. Karun Nair (India) - Batter - Rs. 50 lakh
7. Sameer Rizvi (India) - Allrounder-Rs 95 lakh
8. Ashutosh Sharma (India) - Allrounder - Rs 3.80 crore
9. Mohit Sharma (India) - Bowler - Rs 2.20 crore

Delhi Capitals (DC) have announced a strategic shake-up in their coaching lineup for IPL 2025, appointing former Indian pacer and 2011 ODI World Cup winner Munaf Patel as their new bowling coach. Munaf joins a revamped DC backroom team featuring head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao, replacing Australian James Hopes. This high-profile addition raises questions on how Delhi’s upgraded lineup could impact Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), DC’s key competitor, especially as both franchises gear up for the mega auction on November 24 and 25 with new ambitions.

Delhi Capitals secure bowling coach with Munaf Patel's experience

Munaf Patel, a renowned Indian pacer, takes on his first major coaching role since retiring from competitive cricket in 2018. Known for his skillful reverse swing and his ability to bowl precise yorkers, Munaf’s international career spanned across formats between 2006 and 2011. In IPL, he represented teams such as Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Lions, clinching an IPL title with Mumbai in 2013. His transition to coaching comes as DC seeks a fresh approach for IPL 2025, with Munaf’s expertise set to guide the team’s pace attack through the rigors of the season.

DC’s new backroom shift follows an overhaul in July 2024, parting ways with head coach Ricky Ponting and bowling coach James Hopes. This strategic move aligns with DC’s goal to build a coaching unit primarily comprising Indian talent, aiming for renewed success after three unsuccessful seasons of missing out on the playoffs. With Munaf on board, DC hopes to leverage his experience to bring a disciplined edge to their bowling lineup, a change that could create ripples in their competition with other IPL teams, particularly KKR.

See Also: Alzarri returns as Andre Russell sidelined by injury for remainder of T20I Series

What Munaf Patel’s appointment means for KKR’s IPL 2025 plans

Munaf Patel’s appointment could pose unique challenges for KKR, as they also seek to bolster their bowling attack for IPL 2025. KKR will have to anticipate changes in Delhi’s bowling strategies as Munaf works with DC’s roster of bowlers, aiming to boost their wicket-taking potential. Munaf's expertise in handling key moments on the field will likely enhance Delhi’s bowling strategy in tight matches—something KKR will need to prepare for. With DC’s upgraded purse of INR 73 crore for the upcoming auction, KKR faces increased competition for top talent that can strengthen their pace attack.

DC's decision to retain key players like spin-bowling allrounder Axar Patel, wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav, and new faces like South African batter Tristan Stubbs places KKR in a tight spot. With Munaf’s focus on refining DC's bowling unit, KKR’s strategy may need to adapt accordingly to counter DC's new strengths.

The Delhi Capitals' makeover signals a competitive IPL season as teams, including KKR, will need to up their game in response to DC’s fresh strategies.

Ricky Ponting is beginning his journey with the Punjab Kings by forming a dedicated support staff team, including some familiar faces from his time at Delhi Capitals. With a new four-year contract, he’s setting the stage for a successful tenure.

Familiar faces join Ponting at Punjab Kings

Ricky Ponting has taken his first major step in creating his team at Punjab Kings, starting with the addition of James Hopes, the former Australian all-rounder. Hopes, who has worked closely with Ponting at Delhi Capitals, joins as the new fast-bowling coach. Hopes had been offered a contract extension with the Delhi franchise after Ponting’s exit, but he chose to follow his former captain to Punjab Kings. This move signifies the exit of Charl Langeveldt, the former South African pacer, who had been in charge of fast-bowling under Trevor Bayliss in the last two IPL seasons.

Hopes, known for his international career with 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is for Australia, previously played for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. His familiarity with the IPL landscape and experience in the league will bring strategic insights to the team’s bowling lineup.

Key retentions and departures in the support staff

Alongside Hopes, Ponting has retained Brad Haddin as assistant coach, with responsibilities over batting and wicket-keeping. Haddin, initially brought in by Bayliss, had worked with Ponting in the past and has been a reliable presence for the team’s coaching framework. Sunil Joshi, former India spinner, also remains in his role as spin-bowling coach, adding continuity to the Punjab Kings’ coaching roster. Sanjay Bangar, however, has exited from his role as head of cricket development. His contract, initially set for three years, was terminated midway.

See Also: BCCI announces Indian squads for South Africa and Australia tours

Ponting has kept other essential staff, such as Adrian le Roux as strength and conditioning (S&C) coach and Andrew Leipus as team physio, to ensure continuity in the player fitness program. Now, his main priority is finalizing the player retention list, with discussions around key players like Arshdeep Singh and options for utilizing Right to Match (RTM) cards to secure talent at competitive prices.

The mega auction for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just around the corner. Teams will be embroiled in an intense tussle to get their hands on star players. While some teams insist on preserving their loyal long-serving members, other teams most notably the RCB and LSG have broad ambitions and are more than willing to scout for fresh talent at the expense of their experienced guns. Rishab Pant is one such name that has attracted the attention of several IPL franchises. The 26-year-old swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman made his IPL debut with the now-defunct Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) in 2016.

However, as per reports, Pant has put his name forward for the auction as it is believed that the Delhi-based outfit is willing to move on from him ahead of the next season. Many experts speculate that Pant had a series of discussions with the Delhi Capitals franchise and expressed his desire to lead the side. Unfortunately, his wish never materialized as he was informed that he was not the first choice for captaincy. This major reason may have caused Pant to part ways with them ahead of the next IPL season. 

The reason behind RCB's drive to acquire Pant 

Eyeing their maiden title, RCB are more than willing to secure the services of Rishab Pant who has been in prolific form in recent times. Pant brings with him an X-factor and has the ability to take the game from the opposition like no other. Following the exit of Faf du Plessis and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, the door is now left wide open for RCB to rope in a dynamic batter like Pant. He has been a star performer for India across all formats and can provide the franchise with a great deal of stability in the middle order. Moreover, with the departure of Faf, the possibility of assuming a leadership role for RCB is also open for Pant. It was initially believed that RCB had their eyes set on acquiring KL Rahul but now it looks evidently clear that they have more exciting options at their disposal.  

LSG & PBKS jostle to rope in Rishab Pant

Two other franchises apart from RCB have also shown keep interest in Rishab Pant ahead of the mega auction. Kl Rahul is all set to be relieved from LSG earlier next year. Once he is gone, LSG will be on the hunt for a reliable wicketkeeper option who can not only contribute with the bat and keep behind the stumps, but also lead the franchise to new heights. Pant with his leadership skills could give the Lucknow-based franchise just the edge they need to propel them to their maiden IPL title. On the other hand, PBKS are also reportedly hoping for Pant to join their side under a new head coach Ricky Ponting with whom he shares a special relationship.

Pant is part of the Indian squad in the ongoing 3-match Test series against the Black Caps. The ace wicketkeeper batter was last seen in action during the first Test in Bangalore where he played a match-reviving innings for his side and almost bailed them out of trouble. But his unfortunate demise on 99 in the second innings allowed the Kiwis to crawl back and take a 1-0 assailable lead.  

The Delhi Capitals franchise has recently announced some major operational changes before the IPL 2025 on Thursday, October 17. The GMR and JSW Groups, owners of the franchise, decided to alternate the management of cricket operations for Delhi Capitals' IPL (Men) and WPL (Women) teams on a two-year rotational basis. This initiative hopes to enhance operational efficiency in both teams within the Delhi Capitals franchise as well.

Operational change can bring more success to Delhi Capitals

However, for the next two years, GMR Group will check the cricketing operations of the Delhi Capitals Men’s team, while JSW Sports will manage the operations of the Women’s team as well. In 2027, the roles will reverse, with JSW Sports looking after the Men’s team and GMR Group will assess the women's team as well. However, despite this rotation, the franchise’s business operations will be handled by the Delhi Capitals management team only. Key decisions, including auctions, captaincy, player retention, and releases, will be assessed by the Delhi Capitals’ board, with input from senior leadership of both GMR and JSW groups as well.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

However, GMR Group, one of the founding owners of the IPL in 2008, initially launched the team with the name “Delhi Daredevils.” In 2018, GMR partnered with JSW Sports in a 50:50 ownership deal as well, which led the team’s rebranding as Delhi Capitals as well.

Delhi Capitals tasted success in IPL so far

Since 2008, they have been a consistent participant in the Indian Premier League, reaching the semi-finals in its first two seasons and reaching playoffs several times as well. In 2019, Delhi Capitals registered their best-ever finish as second runners-up, followed by their first appearance in an IPL final in 2020 as well.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals Women’s team, bought in 2023, has already made a strong impact so far, reaching the final in both seasons of the Women’s Premier League as well. However, alongside the Indian teams, GMR will continue to manage the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 League, while JSW Sports will look after the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 South African League as well.

Former Indian player Venugopal Rao, who featured in 16 ODIs for India from 2005 to 2006, is likely to replace Sourav Ganguly as Director of Cricket in Delhi Capitals for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Alongside him, another former India player Hemang Badani will be the new head coach of Delhi as well. According to a report in Cricbuzz on Wednesday (October 16), Badani will replace Ricky Ponting as head coach as well.

However, Badani has earlier worked with Brian Lara in Sunrisers Hyderabad as well, but here it will be his first assignment as head coach of any IPL team as well. The former Tamil Nadu player also played four Tests and 40 ODIs between 2001-2004 for the Men in Blue and scored an ODI century against Australia during the 2001 bilateral series as well. Meanwhile, Badani and Venugopal are known for their strong association and as per the report, Delhi Capitals' management has granted them the freedom to pick the rest of the coaching staff as well.

Hemang Badani will be the new head coach of Delhi

Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting, who was associated with the Delhi Capitals from 2018, parted ways with the Delhi Capitals in July 2024, appointed as the new head coach of the Punjab Kings last month as well.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: Top 5 captains of the tournament

“Hemang Badani will take charge as head coach for the upcoming two seasons. Additionally, Badani’s former India teammate, Venugopal Rao, will serve as the team’s director of cricket,” the Cricbuzz report stated.

“Both Venugopal and Badani have been involved with the franchise’s subsidiaries elsewhere—mainly in the ILT20 in the UAE and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US. Incidentally, both those sides—Dubai Capitals and Seattle Orcas—are owned by Delhi Capitals co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi of the GMR Group. The JSW group is the other co-owner of the Delhi side, and the GMR group currently holds the reins of the franchise management that alternates between the partners every two years.”

Delhi Capitals to retain Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav

However, the Delhi Capitals are likely to retain captain Rishabh Pant (18 crore), all-rounder Axar Patel (Rs 14 crore), and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (Rs 11 crore) before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Moreover, there's a possibility that Australian top-order batter Jake-Fraser McGurk, who made his IPL debut last year, and South African player Tristan Stubbs could be picked with the Right To Match (RTM) cards if their price tags are within budget as well.

The 2024 IPL edition is one of the most intensifying tournaments in the Indian franchise-based fraternity. With many broken records and some commendable performances, the team’s captains have acted as the epitome of such cricketing displays, making the concluded edition more memorable for the cricketing world.

With different captains having different strategies and intent, here is a ranking of all the teams’ heads who have contributed to the fullest with their cricketing minds and calibre in the recently concluded IPL 2024 edition. The ranking is based on a combination of factors, including the team’s performance, the captain’s leadership skills, and their contributions to the team’s success.

1. Shreyas Iyer- Kolkata Knight Riders

The 2024 IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, have been a jack-of-all-trades team, checking all the boxes in all aspects, with particular praise from their skipper, Shreyas Iyer, and the coaching staff. Shreyas Iyer has done well as a captain, and the team is doing well under his leadership.

His decision-making has been sound, with no significant weaknesses identified in his leadership. KKR has perhaps the finest balance of bat and ball. The leading cause for this has been player selection and, therefore, player performance. He played aggressive cricket with the bat, hitting 351 runs at a strike rate of 146.

2. Pat Cummins- Sunrisers Hyderabad

Pat Cummins excelled as a captain. After performing well for Australia, which has a strong lineup, the star player’s challenge was to turn around SRH’s fortunes. And he did just that. Thanks to Cummins’ inspired captaincy, the hitters transformed the dynamics of the league with their aggressive style, and the developing bowlers dominated it to the fullest.

Cummins was also effective with the ball, taking 18 wickets over the season. As a captain, he inspired the SRH team to break records in the IPL 2024. Cummins has pulled the best out of numerous players this season, leading them to the grand finals.

3. Faf du Plessis- Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Though the team had one heck of a forgettable start, Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a fantabulous and memorable comeback, even when there was a bleak 1% chance of qualification. All credit would go to the former South African ace opener, Faf du Plessis, who focused on strengthening its batting core and improvising its bowling department.

Overall, it was a valiant display of captaincy and team effort by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As of his batting performance, du Plessis made 438 runs at a strike rate of 161.

4. Sanju Samson- Rajasthan Royals

In the initial and mid stages of the league, Rajasthan Royals (RR) were the favourites to finish first in the points standings, having won eight of their nine games. However, their season deteriorated following that, and they made the playoffs in third place.

This was primarily about critiquing the team’s consistency and captain Sanju Samson’s evolving plans and methods. If not for this season, Samson is praised for his constant batting and captaincy efforts, which was unsurprising given his performance this season. He had a spectacular batting tenure, amassing 531 runs with a strike rate of 153.

5. Rishabh Pant- Delhi Capitals

Rishabh Pant returns to play after being out for more than 15 months. After avoiding a life-threatening accident, the top player returned to cricket and performed well as a batsman. But he was a decent skipper. He began his IPL 2024 campaign with some difficulties.

But by the second half of the tournament, he had returned to his excellent levels. The Delhi Capitals skipper scored 446 runs with a strike rate of 155. Pant made poor selections about the team’s batting and bowling. Pant would need to improve over time for the following season.

See Also: Gambhir reveals KKR’s 2024 victory secret

6. Ruturaj Gaikwad- Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad captained Chennai Super Kings for the first time in IPL history. His leadership was not up to par, but it could have a future influence on the team’s destiny in the long term, especially after a long and prosperous era of MS Dhoni. The batting order constantly changed in numerous games, hampered the players’ performance.

Ruturaj Gaikwad led Chennai Super Kings through a consistent season, not to forget his spectacular batting stint by scoring 583 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament. Gaikwad won only seven games in his 14-match campaign, indicating significant room for development.

7. Sam Curran- Punjab Kings

Though Shikhar Dhawan had to lead the Punjab Kings full-time, Sam Curran’s appearance as a captain for majority of time was interesting to check out. However, he wasn’t appealing with his overall all-rounder performance, as he made just 270 runs at a strike rate of 123 and snapped 16 wickets.

But, his ability to utilise emerging domestic talent has prompted his arsenal to change the game and can act as the future of the team’s successes. In the end, the team was able to win just a mere five wins and ended up ninth in the points table.

8. KL Rahul- Lucknow Super Giants

KL Rahul led the Lucknow Super Giants to a 50-50 record, winning seven of their fourteen matches. Under his guidance, the squad won as many games as it lost, indicating an up-and-down season. They started brightly but lost momentum in the middle.

Meanwhile, Rahul scored 520 runs this season, but his strike rate of 136 was significantly below average and ordinary for openers in the IPL 2024 season, which was a high-scoring event. It sums up his tactics of runs coming off his bat, but not at the rate his side needs.  The Super Giants missed the playoffs for the first time in their three-season history.

9. Shubman Gill- Gujarat Titans

Shubman Gill, a budding opening batter, has become the captain of the Gujarat Titans after Hardik Pandya moved to the Mumbai Indians. In his first stint as captain, Gill faced challenges, including critical player injuries, leading to some perplexed and vague decisions.

Despite this, he viewed it as a learning experience. The team won only five out of 14 matches, but Gill’s batting was solid, with 426 runs in 12 games. But it will be interesting to see how he evolves as a captain for the Gujarat Titans.

10. Hardik Pandya- Mumbai Indians

Hardik Pandya, the new Mumbai Indians captain, was perhaps the most disappointing captain and big-name player of the IPL 2024 season, especially given that he led Gujarat to an IPL trophy and a runners-up finish in the previous two seasons.

Despite huge expectations, the Mumbai Indians ended at the bottom of the points table, winning only four matches out of 14 games. Hardik scored 216 runs at an average of 18 as a player and took 11 wickets. Given his previous success, Pandya’s captaincy has been more forgettable this season.

Ricky Ponting has revealed that he was approached to be India’s next head coach. Despite significant interest in the job, Ponting indicated that it is an “unlikely” option for him at the moment due to the commitment it would require.

The deadline for applications closes on May 27, the day after the IPL final. Previously reported that Rahul Dravid will not be seeking another stint. Ponting expressed his ambitions to be a national coach but noted that his current roles—head coach at Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 and television work in Australia—make the timing challenging.

“I’d love to be a senior coach of a national team…”

“I’ve seen a lot of reports about it,” Ponting told. “Normally these things pop up on social media before you even know about them, but there were a few little one-on-one conversations during the IPL, just to get a level of interest from me as to whether I would do it.

“I’d love to be a senior coach of a national team, but with the other things that I have in my life and wanting to have a bit of time at home…everyone knows if you take a job working with the Indian team you can’t be involved in an IPL team, so it would take that out of it as well.

“Also, a national head coach is a 10 or 11-month of the year job, and as much as I’d like to do it, it just doesn’t fit into my lifestyle right now and the things that I really enjoy doing.”

Gautam Gambhir has also been approached by the BCCI for the job, with other potential candidates including Stephen Fleming and Justin Langer.

Commitment concerns make India coaching unlikely for Ponting

Ponting, however, did leave the door slightly ajar, mentioning that his young son, Fletcher, had a positive response to the prospect of him taking the job. Ponting’s other roles include head of strategy at Hobart Hurricanes and head coach of Washington Freedom in MLC. He has signed a two-year deal for that tournament, which will follow the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Ponting has also previously worked with Australia’s T20I and ODI sides.

“My family and my kids have spent the last five weeks over at the IPL with me and they come over every year and I had a whisper to my son about it, and I said, ‘Dad’s been offered the Indian coaching job’ and he said, ‘Just take it dad, we would love to move over there for the next couple of years'” he said. “That’s how much they love being over there and the culture of cricket in India, but right now it probably doesn’t exactly fit into my lifestyle,” he added.

See also: IPL 2024: Qualifier 2: SRH vs RR: 3 players to be in focus from SRH

The BCCI has announced that the head coach role will cover all three formats for three and a half years, starting from July 2024 until December 2027. Rahul Dravid began his two-year term after the 2021 T20 World Cup. His stint was set to end after the 2023 ODI World Cup in November last year, but he agreed to an extension until the end of the upcoming T20 World Cup.