In a significant addition to their coaching team, the Delhi Capitals (DC) have appointed Munaf Patel, India’s former fast bowler and ODI World Cup 2011 winner, as their bowling coach for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The franchise confirmed the news on Tuesday, introducing Munaf as part of a revamped coaching lineup which will be led by head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao.

This new role marks Munaf’s first major coaching assignment since retiring from professional cricket in 2018. Known for his expertise in reverse swing and delivering precision yorkers, Munaf carved out a respectable career for India, representing the national team across 86 matches in all formats from 2006 to 2011. 

In the IPL, he previously played for Rajasthan Royals (2008-2010), Mumbai Indians (2011-2013), and Gujarat Lions (2017), along with winning the 2013 title with Mumbai Indians.

Former World Cup-winning pacer Munaf Patel join Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025 

Munaf steps into the position previously held by former Australian all-rounder James Hopes, who departed from DC along with ex-head coach Ricky Ponting in July 2024.

Notably, since their departure, the Delhi based franchise has prioritized building a coaching team with Indian experts, who can help the team with a better knowledge of the Indian pitches. 

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Preparing for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, DC holds the third-highest budget with INR 73 crore. The team has retained key players such as Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel, aiming to break a three-year streak of missing the playoffs. 

The Delhi Capitals will hope Munaf’s experience will boost their bowling attack with improved performances in IPL 2025.