Sourav Ganguly takes charge as Delhi Capitals head coach; backs Rishabh Pant return

Sourav Ganguly was appointed Delhi Capitals head coach ahead of IPL 2027, returning to the franchise where he previously served as advisor and Director of Cricket. Ganguly said Rishabh Pant fits perfectly in the middle order and will use the time and space to become a better player. Pant played 111 matches for Delhi Capitals, scoring 3,284 runs and captaining the side before moving to Lucknow Super Giants in 2025.

Ganguly wants to restore Pant to a No. 4 or No. 5 role that allows him to change the course of an innings. Pant was traded back to Delhi Capitals for a considerably lower value after struggling to find a settled role at LSG. Ganguly said there is no conflict of interest in taking charge while remaining president of the Cricket Association of Bengal.

DC finished sixth last season. Ganguly's priority is to take the team into the playoffs. Delhi have reached the IPL final only once, in the 2020 season. Ganguly said the squad has the talent to perform better.