Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 17: Delhi Capitals have appointed former Sri Lanka fast bowler Chaminda Vaas as their fast-bowling coach, further reshaping their support staff ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
Vaas replaces former India pacer Munaf Patel, who served as the team's bowling coach over the past two seasons.
Announcing the appointment on Saturday, the franchise welcomed the former Sri Lankan pacer on its official X handle, posting: “World Cup winner and Sri Lanka's best ever. Welcome to Tiger Territory, coach.”
One of Sri Lanka's most successful bowlers, Vaas claimed 355 wickets in 111 Test matches and 400 wickets in One-Day Internationals. He was a key member of Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning team and earned a reputation for his ability to swing the new ball, maintain accuracy and deliver consistent performances across conditions.
Vaas joins a support staff led by head coach Sourav Ganguly. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has also been appointed batting and assistant coach as part of the franchise's restructuring.
Delhi Capitals are yet to win an IPL title. The franchise reached the final for the only time in 2020 but failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last two seasons.
The appointment comes as the franchise undergoes a significant transition in its management and coaching setup. Delhi Capitals are jointly owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group, which take turns managing the team under a biennial arrangement. GMR's management tenure ends in 2026, with JSW taking over.
As part of the changes, the franchise has parted ways with former India players Venugopal Rao, who served as director of cricket, head coach Hemang Badani and bowling coach Patel.
Vaas brings considerable international coaching experience to the role. He has served as bowling coach of the Sri Lankan men's team in three separate stints. His coaching career began with a brief contract with New Zealand before he joined the Sri Lankan side from 2013 to 2015.
In 2016, he was appointed Ireland's bowling coach for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup before returning to the Sri Lankan setup.
Vaas also has experience in the IPL as a player, having represented the now-defunct Deccan Chargers from 2008 to 2010 during the league's first three seasons.