Delhi Capitals' big IPL 2027 shake-up continues, Lanka legend joins Ganguly's team

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Chaminda Vaas is set for his maiden coaching stint in the Indian Premier League after being appointed Delhi Capitals' fast bowling coach ahead of the 2027 season. Vaas, one of Sri Lanka's most successful fast bowlers, claimed 355 wickets in Tests and 400 in ODIs during his international career. He joins a revamped Capitals coaching staff headed by former India captain Sourav Ganguly, with former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh having been appointed assistant and batting coach earlier this week. The 52-year-old replaces former India pacer Munaf Patel, who served as Delhi's bowling coach over the previous two seasons.

Vaas brings considerable international coaching experience to the role. He has worked with Sri Lanka's men's team in three separate stints and also had a brief coaching contract with New Zealand. He was appointed Sri Lanka's bowling coach from 2013 to 2015 before taking up the same role with Ireland for the 2016 T20 World Cup. He subsequently returned to the Sri Lankan set-up. The former left-arm pacer is also familiar with the IPL, having represented Deccan Chargers between 2008 and 2010. He picked up 18 wickets in 13 matches for the franchise. Vaas' appointment is the latest development in Delhi Capitals' preparations for the 2027 season, as the franchise continues to reshape its backroom staff under Ganguly's leadership.

Delhi have also been active in the player trade market in recent months. Pacer T Natarajan moved back to Sunrisers Hyderabad from Delhi, with spinner Zeeshan Ansari heading in the opposite direction. Natarajan, acquired by Delhi for Rs 10.75 crore at the 2025 auction, moved to SRH at a revised fee of Rs 5 crore, while Ansari joined the Capitals at his existing fee of Rs 40 lakh. In another major trade announced months ago, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant returned to Delhi Capitals from Lucknow Super Giants, while left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav moved to Lucknow. Pant, who spent nine seasons with Delhi from 2016 to 2024, took a pay cut from his Rs 27 crore auction price at LSG to Rs 15 crore for his return to the franchise.