(UTV | AUSTRALIA) – Shane Watson is set to join the coaching staff of the Delhi Capitals team for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier league (IPL).
The former Australia all-rounder is a recommendation of head coach Ricky Ponting and understands that signing formalities are the only thing that remain.
The 40-year-old Queenslander, a two-time IPL winner — with Rajasthan Royals (2008) and Chennai Super Kings (2018) — will be an assistant coach of the side which will, in fact, have a few of them working under Ponting. Ajit Agarkar is being tipped to be another assistant coach.
Yet another assistant coach is Praveen Amre, a former India batsman, who has been a long-standing member of franchise’s support staff. Co-owned by GMR Industries and JSW Group, the franchise has parted ways with Mohammad Kaif and Ajay Ratra, the assistant coaches from last season.
The reshuffle of the coaching staff under coach Ponting and captain Rishabh Pant comes at a time when the team is understood to be looking for new ideas. The team, however, seems to be persisting with James Hopes, who has been the bowling coach under Ponting. The team may also appoint a fielding coach but no candidate has been selected so far.
Agarkar, who has played 26 Tests, 191 ODIs and four T20Is, has agreed to come on board in principle as an assistant coach but the franchise officials are yet to confirm it.