Veteran Pacer Munaf Patel Joins Delhi Capitals as Bowling Coach for IPL 2025
New Delhi, November 12, 2024 – In a move to bolster their coaching staff, Delhi Capitals (DC) have appointed former India cricketer Munaf Patel as their new bowling coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Patel, who retired from competitive cricket in 2018, will be joining the franchise’s revamped backroom team, which includes head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao.
Patel, known for his ability to generate reverse swing and deliver accurate yorkers, brings a wealth of experience to the Delhi-based franchise. During his international career spanning 2006 to 2011, the right-arm pacer represented India in 86 matches across all three formats, contributing to the team’s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph.
“The addition of Munaf Patel to the coaching staff is expected to provide valuable insights and guidance to the team’s bowling unit.”
After hanging up his boots, Patel has participated in various competitions featuring retired cricketers, but this will mark his first high-profile coaching assignment. The former Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Lions player will be taking over the role from former Australia all-rounder James Hopes, who had amicably parted ways with DC as part of the franchise’s overhaul in July 2024.
Preparing for the Upcoming IPL Cycle
As Delhi Capitals prepare for the upcoming three-year IPL cycle and the upcoming mega auction on November 24-25, the addition of Munaf Patel to the coaching staff is expected to provide valuable insights and guidance to the team’s bowling unit. The franchise, which has retained spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, South African batter Tristan Stubbs, and uncapped wicket-keeper batter Abishek Porel, will be looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the last three IPL seasons.
With a purse of INR 73 crore, the third-highest among all teams, Delhi Capitals will aim to build a strong squad capable of challenging for the IPL title in the years to come, and Munaf Patel’s expertise as the new bowling coach will be crucial to their plans.
🔗 Source