Dahiya back in the Delhi dugout
Delhi cricket has a new-old leader. On September 25, 2026, the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed Vijay Dahiya as head coach of the senior men’s team for the 2026-27 domestic season.
He takes over from former India off-spinner Sarandeep Singh, who held the role for the past two seasons. Singh now sits on the DDCA’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which, ironically, put Dahiya’s name forward for the job.
This is Dahiya’s second stint as Delhi head coach. He previously guided the side in the 2012-13, 2014-15 and 2015-16 campaigns and was at the helm when Delhi lifted the 2007-08 Ranji Trophy.
Why Delhi went with experience
Delhi’s domestic results have dipped in recent years, and the association clearly wants steady hands on the wheel. Dahiya brings a mix of international experience and long familiarity with the Delhi system.
He played two Tests and ten ODIs for India as a wicketkeeper-batter. At franchise level, he served as assistant coach with the Gujarat Titans when they won the IPL title in 2022.
With the Ranji Trophy opener against Bengal just over two weeks away, the DDCA appears to have prioritised someone who can hit the ground running.
Rajkumar Sharma brought in as State Mentor
Alongside Dahiya’s appointment, Delhi have added serious batting pedigree to the setup. Dronacharya awardee Rajkumar Sharma, widely known as Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, has been named State Mentor for the men’s teams.
Sunita Sharma has been appointed in the same mentor role for the women’s teams, as part of a broader revamp of coaching and support structures across genders.
The move signals Delhi’s intent to lean hard on proven coaching minds while rebuilding their domestic fortunes.
Support staff and selection shake-up
Dahiya will not be working alone. Kshitiz Sharma and Kuldeep Rawat come in as assistant coaches with the senior men’s side.
Sanjeev Sharma and former India pacer Parvinder Awana have been named bowling coaches, giving the attack dedicated oversight at both ends of the innings.
Off the field, KP Bhaskar has been appointed chairperson of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee, as the DDCA overhauled its entire coaching and selection structure for 2026-27.
What’s next for Delhi
All eyes now shift to the dressing room and the Ranji Trophy campaign. Dahiya knows the Delhi setup inside out, but the pressure to deliver deep knockout runs remains.
With a Ranji-winning coach, a high-profile mentor in Rajkumar Sharma, and a refreshed support staff, Delhi have assembled a structure designed to stop the slide and push back towards the top table of Indian domestic cricket.
FAQs
Who is the new head coach of Delhi men’s cricket team?
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya has been appointed head coach for the 2026-27 domestic season.
Who did Vijay Dahiya replace as Delhi head coach?
He replaces Sarandeep Singh, who coached Delhi for the last two seasons and is now part of the DDCA’s Cricket Advisory Committee.
What role will Rajkumar Sharma play in Delhi cricket?
Rajkumar Sharma, Virat Kohli’s childhood coach and a Dronacharya awardee, has been named State Mentor for Delhi’s men’s teams.
When was this appointment announced?
The DDCA confirmed the coaching and selection changes on September 25, 2026, ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season.
