Yuvraj Singh is looking to bring belief, versatility and a winning mentality to Delhi Capitals after being appointed the franchise’s assistant and batting coach for IPL 2027. The former India all-rounder will reunite with Sourav Ganguly, his former captain, who was recently named the Capitals’ head coach, as the team continues its pursuit of an elusive maiden IPL title.
Yuvraj, who previously represented Delhi in the 2015 season after being bought for INR 16 crore, said he had been preparing for a coaching role over the last three to four years and was excited about being part of an entire team environment after working with players individually.
Speaking on Delhi Capitals’ official YouTube channel, Yuvraj said: “He (Sourav Ganguly) said, ‘Would you be my assistant?’ And I was like, ‘I’ve been your assistant for the last 25 years, so I’ll probably be doing the same job!’
“I was very happy to do it. I’ve been building myself up over the last three to four years for this opportunity. I have worked with players individually, but being part of the entire team environment will be a different experience, and I’m really excited about it.”
Yuvraj credited Ganguly with teaching him the importance of building a strong team environment, recalling how his former captain helped India develop the belief to win tournaments overseas.
“The best thing I learnt from Dada was how to create a good team environment. When he was captain and I made my debut, he kept us together. He made us believe that we could become a great team and win tournaments outside India. He has always been like a big brother to me, whether it was helping me understand selection, mentoring me or showing me what it takes to become a good international cricketer. I’m looking forward to working with him, understanding his insights and sharing mine.”
A key member of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning sides, Yuvraj believes self-belief will be central to his coaching philosophy. “At this level, everybody is skilled and brings something different to the table. But I come from a place where self-belief is extremely important.
“If a franchise has selected you and given you a position in the squad, it means they believe in you. You have to believe that you belong there. That comes through practice, awareness of the game and playing matches. We will work on these things as a team.”
Assessing DC’s resources, Yuvraj highlighted the quality of their batting options. “KL Rahul is a solid player whom I’ve watched for a long time, and Tristan Stubbs is very exciting. There are also players like Sameer Rizvi and Ashutosh Sharma, who are very good hitters.
“We have good batting resources, but we need to work on the right team combination and make the side stronger and more versatile, with deeper batting, quality bowling and good fielding. Every aspect of the game matters.”
The Capitals have reached the IPL final only once, in 2020, and are yet to win the title. Yuvraj is confident the franchise can change that record. “We definitely have the ability, and that’s why Dada and I are coming in – to bring that belief back. Our first target is to qualify, but we are here to win the championship, and I don’t see why we can’t do that.
“Just because it hasn’t happened in the past doesn’t mean it can’t happen in the future. We want to build a squad and an energy that is ready to fight, take on any opposition and perform in any situation.”
Yuvraj, who featured in 132 IPL matches, scoring 2750 runs and taking 36 wickets, said he was determined to make a wholehearted contribution to the franchise’s ambitions.
“I want to help the boys play better cricket, perform under pressure and build a squad that believes in itself. I’m here to put my heart and soul into the franchise. Hopefully, with the contribution of the entire team management and the players, we can take Delhi Capitals forward, qualify for the playoffs and then go on to win the championship.”