In a major development, former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar has joined IPL franchise Delhi Capitals as an assistant coach. Reports citing highly placed sources have claimed that former pacer will assist head coach Ricky Ponting and will be part of a core group comprising skipper Rishabh Pant, batting coach Praveen Amre and bowling coach James Hopes.

Agarkar, who is currently serving as a commentator with Star Sports’ broadcasting team, will join Delhi Capitals after the Sri Lanka tour, comprising three T20I and two Tests. Agarkar’s appointment suggests that the Delhi franchise will not continue the services of Md Kaif and Ajay Ratra, who was earlier serving as the assistant coach until the 2021 season. While Kaif served in the role from 2019, Ratra’s stint was limited to a single season (2021).

Notably, Agarkar joining Delhi Capitals as an assistant coach will be his maiden responsibility in the coach role. The 44-year-old Agarkar retired from International cricket in 2013, though he last played for India in 2007. Agarkar had quite an illustrious career while playing for India as he scalped 288 wickets in 191 ODIs and 58 wickets in 26 Tests. Speaking of his IPL career, he was last seen representing the Delhi franchise (Delhi Daredevils) in 2011-13. Earlier, he was associated with Kolkata Knight Riders between 2008 and 2019. At the same time, the Capitals have been one of the most successful franchises in recent times in IPL. The franchise has maintained its successful run in the last three seasons by qualifying for playoffs, including making into finals in 2020.

At the 2022 auction, Capitals spent their purse on some big names, including India bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, senior Australian batter David Warner, Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, Indian left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya, Indian wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav along West Indies batter Rovman Powell. Before the auction, Capitals had retained four players, including Pant, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw and South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje.