IPL: Sourav Ganguly joins Delhi Capitals

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was, on Thursday, appointed advisor of Delhi Capitals for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).

In his new role, Ganguly will work closely with the team's head coach Ricky Ponting.

"I am very pleased to come on board with the Delhi Capitals," Ganguly said, on his association.

"Having known the Jindals and the JSW Group for years, I am now excited to be a part of their latest sports venture. I am really looking forward to working with the players and the support staff."
Delhi Capitals have never won the IPL.

"Sourav is one of the most astute minds in world cricket. A lot of what we see in Indian cricket today was born because of Sourav. His aggression, positivity and never say die attitude are traits we want the Delhi Capitals team to imbibe. It is truly an honour that Sourav has chosen Delhi as his IPL team.

"I have no doubt that our team will benefit immensely from his experience, guidance and advice. Sourav has been like family to me and I am deeply humbled to have him as an advisor," said Delhi Capitals chairman Parth Jindal.

The Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi Capitals will kick-start their season against Mumbai Indians on March 24 at the Wankhede Stadium. They will play their first home match on March 26, when they take on defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.

Spoken to CoA, no conflict of interest: Ganguly on DC role

Former India captain and Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly said that he has taken up an advisory role with IPL franchise Delhi Capitals after consulting Committee of Administrators (CoA).

"There is absolutely no conflict of interest. I resigned from the IPL governing council earlier. I have spoken to the CoA too before committing myself to the role," Ganguly said.

He has been an administrator for more than five years now but contributing in technical matters and strategy is what excites him the most.

"I am feeling very excited. Always wanted to return to cricket. You can say I am a happy man," Ganguly, who had captained KKR and now defunct Pune Warriors in the cash-rich league, said.

"Yes I was the captain of KKR. But this role is totally different from that. Playing on the field is different from providing inputs sitting in the dugout. As a captain, I also had to execute the plans on the field. But this time the onus is on the cricketers to perform."

With batting talents like Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw in the Delhi ranks, this will be one of the most competitive outfits in the upcoming IPL, opines Ganguly.

"I think Delhi is more stronger than last year. There are some brilliant talents in the franchise. Hopefully we will have a great IPL."