Delhi Cricket’s 48-Coach Overhaul: Vijay Dahiya Returns As Ranji Head Coach

Former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya has been reappointed head coach of the Delhi Ranji Trophy team as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) unveiled a sprawling 48-member coaching and support structure covering its men’s and women’s teams from the senior level to Under-14.

The appointments include 22 coaches across the men’s teams and 18 for various women’s sides, apart from high-performance staff and state mentors. The list features several former cricketers and also includes appointments involving the sons of prominent former players.

Dahiya was preferred over former India spinner Rajkumar Sharma for the Ranji head coach position. Dahiya has previously guided Delhi to Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy success.

Rajkumar has instead been appointed state mentor for the men’s teams, while Suneeta Sharma, who coached former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta during his formative years, has taken the corresponding role for women.

The structure has already raised questions over the division of responsibilities. A senior DDCA office-bearer told PTI that it was unclear how much influence the state mentor would have over matters falling under the head coach.

Dahiya's support staff includes two fast-bowling coaches, Sanjeev Sharma and Parvinder Awana, along with fielding coach Kuldeep Rawat and Khsitiz Sharma as assistant batting coach. The DDCA official attributed the dual fast-bowling appointments to competing recommendations from different factions.

Former India batter Gursharan Singh has been named High Performance Batting Coach for men, while his son Swapandeep Singh will coach the women's Under-19 side. The DDCA said there was no conflict of interest as they were assigned to different teams.

Kunal Lal, son of 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal, has also been appointed Under-19 assistant fielding coach.

The appointments were recommended by a Cricket Advisory Committee headed by former India spinner Sarandeep Singh, but questions remain over the need for such an extensive coaching structure and the roles of several overlapping positions.