Former Team India wicket-keeper batsman Ajay Ratra has joined Delhi Capitals ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise confirmed on March 28 (Sunday). The Capitals, who finished as the runners-up in the last cash-rich league in the UAE will be keen to go all the way this time around and win their maiden IPL trophy.
The 39-year-old Ratra has recently coached Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has also coached Punjab and has worked as a fielding and wicket-keeping coach with the Indian women’s team. This will be his first stint with an IPL franchise. He joins the Delhi Capitals coaching staff headed by Ricky Ponting which also includes Mohammad Kaif, Pravin Amre, and James Hopes.
Ajay Ratra joins Delhi Capitals
Speaking on his appointment, Ajay Ratra expressed his gratitude to the Delhi Capitals for bestowing him with this opportunity. The six Tests and 12 ODIs veteran is keen to meet the teammates and contribute to their success.
“I am honoured to join Delhi Capitals as Assistant Coach. This is a very exciting team to work with, abundant with talent. I can’t wait to meet the team and contribute to its success. I am grateful to the Delhi Capitals management for giving me this wonderful opportunity,” Ajay Ratra said on his appointment.
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Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals CEO Vinod Bisht is elated to have Ajay Ratra on board and said his experience and relation with the players will come in handy for the franchise. Delhi, who will miss the service of their regular skipper, Shreyas Iyer, due to a dislocated shoulder, will begin their campaign on April 10 against Chennai Super Kings.
“We would like to welcome Ajay Ratra to the Delhi Capitals family,” said franchise’s CEO Vinod Bisht, on the development. “His experience, as player and coach will be invaluable, as we look to take the franchise from strength to strength. We are excited to have him on board, and wish him all the very best for the upcoming season,” he added.