Former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar is likely to join Delhi Capitals’ as their assistant coach for IPL 2022. As per reports in ESPNCricinfo, Agarkar will perform various roles while acting as one of the deputies to head coach Ricky Ponting.
The former cricketer is expected to work as Ricky Ponting’s deputy alongside captain Rishabh Pant and bowling coach James Hopes. Agarkar’s appointment follows Capitals not renewing the contracts of Mohammad Kaif and Ajay Ratra, who were both assistant coaches for varying periods until the 2021 season. While Kaif served in the role from 2019, Ratra’s stint was limited to a single season (2021).
Ajit Agarkar is expected to link up with the Delhi Capitals’ squad after his commentary stint with Star Sports for the upcoming Sri Lanka series. The Sri Lanka tour, comprising three T20s and two Tests, is scheduled to end on March 16.
Capitals’ assignment will be Agarkar’s first time in any coaching role. The 44-year-old has called time on his career in 2007 although he last international game in 2007. He has picked up 288 wickets in ODIs and 58 in Tests.
Ajit Agarkar has also been part of IPL. He represented Kolkata Knight Riders between 2008 and 2010 before playing three more seasons with Delhi Daredevils (now known as Delhi Capitals).
In the last season IPL 2021, DC topped the points table after winning 10 matches out of 14 during the league stage. However, the Rishabh Pant-led side lost to Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1 and Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 2 match and could not reach the final.
Delhi Capitals full squad: Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Shardul Thakur, Mustafizur Rahman, Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin Hebbar, Abhishek Sharma, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, KS Bharat, Mandeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Chetan Sakariya, Lalit Yadav, Ripal Patel, Yash Dhull, Rovman Powell, Pravin Dubey, Lungi Ngidi, Vicky Ostwal, Sarfaraz Khan.
