Indian Premier League's (IPL) Delhi-based franchise Delhi Capitals have officially confirmed the appointment of Ajit Agarkar as their assistant coach on Wednesday (February 23).
The former India prime bowler Agarkar will join the team after the completion of his commentating duties for India's home series against Sri Lanka which is slated to start from Thursday (February 23).
"I am very excited to be part of Delhi Capitals squad for this season," Agarkar said.
Agarkar looks forward to work with the team's skipper Rishabh Pant and head coach Ricky Ponting.
"I have been lucky enough to be a player and to be returning in a different capacity. It's obviously very exciting. We have a young and terrific squad led by one of the most talented players in the world Rishabh Pant," he added.
"And the coach Ricky Ponting has been a legend of the game. Looking forward to working with them, can't wait to get started and creating some special memories," Agarkar further added.
The 44-year-old, with 288 ODI and 58 Test wickets to his name, has represented Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. He joins the Delhi Capitals coaching staff of Ponting, Pravin Amre (Assistant Coach) and James Hopes (Bowling Coach).
Ajit Agarkar has also represented Delhi as a player in IPL. He was a part of the now-defunct Delhi Daredevils from 2011 to 2013. In the 42 IPL matches that he has played, the Mumbai cricketer scored 179 runs averaging 17.9, a strike rate of 116.23 and has 29 scalps to his name at an average of 39.69 and an economy of 8.83. He had played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three editions from 2008 to 2010.
The Delhi Capitals might not have that many superstars which they had in the last couple of seasons despite buying David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Mustafizur Rahman, Lungi Ngidi, but, this squad is still balanced and Rishabh Pant would be raring to take his team to the elusive title.
Delhi Capitals' picks in IPL mega auction 2022:
David Warner – Rs 6.25 Crore
Mitchell Marsh – Rs 6.50 Crore
Shardul Thakur – Rs 10.75 Crore
Mustafizur Rahman – Rs 2 Crore
Kuldeep Yadav – Rs 2 Crore
Ashwin Hebbar – Rs 20 Lakh
Sarfaraz Khan – Rs 20 Lakh
Kamlesh Nagarkoti – Rs 1.1 Crore
Srikar Bharat – Rs 2 Crore
Tim Seifert- Rs 50 lakh
Mandeep Singh- Rs 1.1 crore
Khaleel Ahmed- Rs 5.25 crore
Chetan Sakariya- Rs 4.2 crore
Lalit Yadav- Rs 65 lakh
Ripal Patel- Rs 20 lakh
Yash Dhull- Rs 50 lakh
Rovman Powell- Rs 2.8 crore
Pravin Dubey- Rs 50 lakh
Lungi Ngidi- Rs 50 lakh
Vicky Ostwal- Rs 20 lakh
