Chaminda Vaas set to join Delhi Capitals as fast bowling coach for IPL 2027

Chaminda Vaas is set to join Delhi Capitals as their fast bowling coach ahead of IPL 2027, replacing Munaf Patel in that role. The 51-year-old Sri Lanka great has already attended the franchise's preparatory camp and trials in New Delhi, though Delhi Capitals are yet to make an official appointment as of September 13, 2026.

The move forms part of a sweeping overhaul of the Delhi Capitals coaching structure. Sourav Ganguly is set to take over as head coach from Hemang Badani, while Yuvraj Singh is joining as assistant coach. Amit Mishra has also joined the camp in the spin coaching role, giving the franchise a notably high-profile support staff heading into the new season.

Delhi Capitals finished sixth in IPL 2026 with seven wins and seven losses under captain Axar Patel and coach Badani. The franchise had also failed to qualify for the Playoffs in the 2025 campaign, and the decision to reshape the backroom staff reflects a clear intent to improve results in IPL 2027.

What does Vaas bring to the Delhi Capitals pace attack?

Vaas is among the most decorated fast bowlers Sri Lanka has produced. Across his international career, he appeared in 111 Tests and 322 ODIs, claiming 355 Test wickets and 400 ODI wickets. He was part of the Sri Lanka squad that lifted the 1996 World Cup, earning experience of high-pressure cricket across all formats and conditions.

Since retiring from international cricket, Vaas has taken on bowling coaching roles with Sri Lanka and various franchise sides. That background in working directly with pace bowlers at both national and franchise level makes him a well-suited appointment for a Delhi Capitals side that has struggled for consistency from its fast bowling unit in recent seasons.

His presence at the preparatory camp and trials in New Delhi ahead of any formal announcement suggests the franchise has already integrated him into their planning for IPL 2027.

Who else is joining the Delhi Capitals coaching setup?

Apart from Ganguly and Yuvraj as head coach and assistant coach, respectively, former India spinner Amit Mishra has been tasked to take over the spin-bowling departed at the Delhi-based franchise.

Among players, the franchise recently completed their trade deal with the Lucknow Super Giants, bringing in the star cricketer Rishabh Pant to their ranks, while Kuldeep Yadav has made an exit in a cash-cum-player swap trade.