Indian Premier League: Ajay Ratra joins Delhi Capitals as assistant coach

IPL franchise Delhi Capital on Sunday announced that they have appointed former India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra as the team’s assistant coach ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. Delhi Capital finished runners-up in the final edition, losing to Mumbai Indians in the final. The upcoming version of the IPL is starting on April 9. On his appointment, Ratra said, “This is a very exciting team to work with, abundant with talent. I can’t wait to meet the team and contribute to its success. To give me this great opportunity I am grateful to the capitals of Delhi.

Ratra, who will work under Australian great Ricky Ponting, was welcomed into the Delhi Capitals team by his chief executive officer Vinod Bisht.

“His experience as a player and coach will be invaluable, as we look to move the franchise forward strongly. We are excited to get him on board, and wish him all the best for the upcoming season.”

Ratra, 39, recently coached the Assam state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

She has also coached the Punjab state team in the past, and worked as a fielding and wicket-keeping coach with the Indian women’s team during the camps.

However, this will be his first stint with the IPL franchise.

Ratra made history in 2002 when he was the youngest wicketkeeper (aged 20) to score a Test century and the second Indian wicketkeeper to score a century abroad.

Promoted

Ratra, currently employed by ONGC as the manager of corporate communications, played six Tests and 12 ODIs for India.

He joins the Delhi Capitals coaching staff of Ponting, Mohammad Kaif, Praveen Amre and James Hopes.