Delhi Capitals (DC) had a forgettable season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year. While the team had a disastrous start, they did stitch a few wins together but left themselves too much to do in the second half of the season and became the first team to be eliminated from the race to the Playoffs in what has an incredibly competitive edition of the tournment. Seven teams are still in the race to be in the final four with just three slots remaining with just a handful of league games remaining.
However DC, who are already out, might already have an eye on what to expect for the next season before their last two league games of this edition against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) which won't really make a difference to their fate for this season. With wholesome changes expeted in their camp after a nightmarish run this year, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed DC's Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly to be made the head coach of the team next season.
Pathan, who made his international debut under Ganguly, reckons that the former BCCI President knows the psychology of the Indian players and would be able to make a difference. Pathan's suggestion, if implemented, would mean that Ricky Ponting, who is currently the coach of the franchise would have to be shown the exit door.
"Sourav Ganguly's presence in the Delhi dugout is a big deal. I think if Dada is given the responsibility of coach as well, he can make a big difference in this team. Dada has knowledge of the psychology of Indian players. He knows how to run the dressing room and Delhi should definitely take advantage of that. At the time of the toss, Warner has said that his team has now started preparing for the next season and in this context, it would not be wrong to see Ganguly in a changed role," the 38-year-old said on Star Sports.
DC's regular captain Rishabh Pant was ruled out of this season as he continues to recover from the injuries he sustained in a car accident in in December last year. In Pant's absence, David Warner was trusted with the leadership role this season but given the outcome, Pant is likely to back at the helm of affairs in 2024.