Delhi Capitals Appoint Chaminda Vaas as Fast-Bowling Coach Ahead of IPL 2027

Delhi Capitals have strengthened their coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027 by appointing former Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas as their fast-bowling coach. The move follows the appointments of Sourav Ganguly as head coach and Yuvraj Singh as assistant and batting coach, while former Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra is also set to join the franchise as spin-bowling coach.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo on September 14, Vaas will make his coaching debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing extensive international coaching experience to the Delhi-based franchise.

Vaas Emphasises Freedom and Responsibility for Bowlers

Speaking in a video released by Delhi Capitals, Vaas highlighted his coaching philosophy, stressing the importance of giving bowlers the freedom to develop their own plans while providing guidance when required.

“I give a lot of freedom for the bowlers,” Vaas said. He added that bowlers should understand their strengths, develop their own strategies and know how to execute their plans and field settings.

The former Sri Lankan fast bowler believes a coach's role is to help players improve their understanding of the game and take their performances to the next level.

Extensive International Coaching Experience

Although IPL 2027 will be Vaas' first coaching assignment in the league, he has considerable experience working with international teams. He has served in multiple coaching roles with the Sri Lanka men's team between 2012 and 2022, including a brief stint in 2021 that ended following a pay dispute.

Vaas began his coaching career as a consultant with the New Zealand men's team and also worked with Ireland during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20.

In addition, he has worked with Sri Lanka Cricket as a fast-bowling consultant and academy mentor. His coaching assignments have also included NYS Lagos in the 2024 Zim Afro T10 League and Kandy Royals in the 2026 Lanka Premier League.

Vaas is no stranger to the IPL as a player, having represented the now-defunct Deccan Chargers during the tournament's first three seasons.

Amit Mishra Set to Join as Spin-Bowling Coach

Delhi Capitals are also expected to bring in former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra as their spin-bowling coach. Both Vaas and Mishra are understood to have already spent time in Delhi working with players at the franchise's academy.

The appointments indicate a significant overhaul of the coaching setup as DC look to improve their performances after finishing sixth in the 2026 IPL season.

The franchise had been expected to make changes to its coaching staff following two seasons under team director Venugopal Rao, head coach Hemang Badani, bowling coach Munaf Patel and assistant coach Ian Bell.

Changes to the Squad and Coaching Structure

Delhi Capitals have also made changes to their playing personnel ahead of the next season. The franchise traded left-arm fast bowler T Natarajan to Sunrisers Hyderabad and brought in leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari. They had also traded Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants in exchange for Rishabh Pant.

DC, who are yet to win an IPL title, will hope that the revamped coaching team and changes to the squad can help them mount a stronger challenge in 2027.

The restructuring also reflects the arrangement between the franchise's co-owners, GMR Sports India Pvt Ltd and JSW Sports, following IPL 2024. Under the agreement, the two ownership groups alternate control of franchise operations in two-year cycles.

With Ganguly, Yuvraj, Vaas and the expected addition of Mishra, Delhi Capitals are assembling an experienced coaching group as they look to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming IPL season.