New Delhi, Oct 2026 : Delhi Capitals have appointed former Sri Lanka fast bowler Chaminda Vaas as their fast-bowling coach, continuing a major overhaul of the franchise’s coaching and management structure ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Vaas replaces former India pacer Munaf Patel, who served as the team’s bowling coach over the previous two seasons. The franchise announced the appointment on Saturday through its official X account, welcoming the Sri Lankan legend with the message: “World Cup winner and Sri Lanka's best ever. Welcome to Tiger Territory, coach.”
One of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished fast bowlers, Vaas claimed 355 wickets in 111 Test matches and 400 wickets in One-Day Internationals. He was a key member of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning squad and was renowned for his ability to swing the new ball, maintain accuracy and perform consistently across different playing conditions.
Vaas will join a support staff headed by former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has also been appointed batting and assistant coach as part of the franchise’s restructuring.
The latest appointment comes amid significant changes at Delhi Capitals, who have yet to win an IPL title. The team reached the final for the only time in 2020 but failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last two seasons.
The franchise, jointly owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group, operates under a biennial management arrangement in which the two owners take turns overseeing the team. GMR’s management tenure concludes in 2026, with JSW scheduled to take over.
As part of the transition, Delhi Capitals have parted ways with former India cricketer Venugopal Rao, who served as director of cricket, head coach Hemang Badani and bowling coach Patel.
Vaas brings considerable international coaching experience to the role. He has served as bowling coach of the Sri Lankan men’s team during three separate stints. His coaching career began with a brief assignment in New Zealand before he joined the Sri Lankan setup from 2013 to 2015.
In 2016, Vaas was appointed Ireland’s bowling coach for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup before returning to Sri Lankan cricket.
He also has previous IPL experience as a player, having represented the now-defunct Deccan Chargers between 2008 and 2010 during the league’s initial seasons.
His appointment adds international experience to Delhi Capitals’ revamped coaching team as the franchise looks to improve its performances in the upcoming IPL campaign.
