Former India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra will be making his maiden foray into the Indian Premier League(IPL) after he was appointed as the assistant coach for the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2021.
Ajay Ratra roped in by Delhi Capitals
Ratra’s last assignment was with the Assam state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 39-year-old has coached the Punjab state team in the past and has also worked as a fielding and wicketkeeping coach with the Indian women’s cricket team during camps.
“We would like to welcome Ajay Ratra to the Delhi Capitals family. His experience, as player and coach will be invaluable, as we look to take the franchise from strength to strength. We are excited to have him on board, and wish him all the very best for the upcoming season,” said Vinod Bisht, the CEO of Delhi Capitals.
🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Join us in welcoming former 🇮🇳 wicket-keeper batsman @ajratra to the DC family as Assistant Coach 🙌🏼
Read more on this addition to our coaching staff 👉🏽 https://t.co/DxJ25CCdEi#YehHaiNayiDilli pic.twitter.com/comqzVtCMA
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 28, 2021
The finalists of IPL 2020 have Australia legend Ricky Ponting as their head coach, who is assisted by Mohammad Kaif, Pravin Amre, and James Hopes. Ratra will be joining Ponting’s team.
“I am honored to join Delhi Capitals as Assistant Coach. 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. I am grateful to the Delhi Capitals management for giving me this wonderful opportunity,” Ratra said in a statement released by the franchise.
Ratra, who is currently employed by ONGC as Manager (Corporate Communications) played six Tests and 12 ODIs for India.
IPL 2021 is scheduled to begin from April 9 with the opening match between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chennai.
If you forget to check the IPL 2021 full schedule and squad click here.