Rajkumar Sharma appointed DDCA State Mentor ahead of 2026-27 domestic season
The Dronacharya awardee and Virat Kohli's childhood coach takes on mentorship role to strengthen Delhi's cricket pathway.
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Rajkumar Sharma has been appointed State Mentor of Delhi cricket by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season. The appointment was unveiled as part of a comprehensive overhaul of the DDCA's coaching and support staff on September 25, 2026. Sharma, a Dronacharya awardee who received the honour in 2016, is widely recognised as Virat Kohli's childhood coach and brings extensive experience in developing young talent within the Delhi cricket system.
Sharma's appointment comes as the DDCA strengthens its technical and mentorship structure. He previously served as head coach of the Delhi senior team during the 2020-21 domestic season and held the position of Delhi Ranji Trophy Head Coach. Most recently, Sharma guided New Delhi Tigers in DPL Season 3, where he worked with emerging players and contributed to identifying potential talent. In 2022, he was nominated as DDCA's male representative to the Indian Cricketers' Association Apex Body.
"I am honoured to take on this responsibility with the DDCA and grateful to President Rohan Jaitley for his trust. Having been closely associated with Delhi cricket for many years, I look forward to contributing to its next phase. Delhi has immense talent and has given India some great players over the years, including Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir, Ishant Sharma, Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant, along with many promising players from the new generation. Our focus must be on identifying and nurturing this talent from the grassroots, with the right guidance, technology and facilities," Sharma said in a statement.
"I want to be accessible to every player—boy or girl, from club to state level—who dreams of representing India and provide them with the right advice and mentorship. We also need to build an ecosystem where selections are transparent, players’ genuine needs are addressed, and those who require financial or other support are given the backing to develop fully. In line with Rohan Jaitley’s proactive vision, I hope we can create a strong and transparent pathway that prepares deserving players to represent Delhi and, ultimately, India at the highest level," he added.
Broader DDCA coaching restructure
Sharma's mandate as State Mentor includes providing mentorship and strategic direction to strengthen the pathway for young cricketers in the Delhi system. The DDCA aims to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level, offering young boys and girls the right opportunities, guidance and support to progress through the ranks.
Rohan Jaitley, President, DDC, praised the role and contribution of Rajkumar Sharma.
“He has been closely associated with Delhi Cricket and has played an important role in nurturing young talent. His experience and understanding of the game make him a valuable addition to our set-up. We look forward to his mentorship helping our young cricketers grow and take the next step in their journey.”
The appointment forms part of broader changes to Delhi cricket's leadership structure. Vijay Dahiya returns as senior men's chief coach, while KP Bhaskar has been appointed chairperson of the Senior Men's Selection Committee. Dronacharya awardee Sunita Sharma was appointed State Mentor for women's teams, ensuring that both male and female pathways receive experienced mentorship and guidance.
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