Amit Mishra Returns to Delhi Capitals as Spin Coach for IPL 2027

Delhi Capitals have brought former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra back to the franchise, this time as their spin-bowling coach ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season. The appointment marks a new chapter in Mishra's cricketing career as he moves from playing to coaching, bringing extensive experience from international cricket and more than a decade of IPL competition.

The franchise announced the appointment on October 21, 2026, as part of a wider restructuring of its coaching staff. Mishra will work alongside head coach Sourav Ganguly, assistant and batting coach Yuvraj Singh, and fast-bowling coach Chaminda Vaas as Delhi prepare for the next IPL campaign.

A Familiar Return to Delhi

Mishra has a long association with the Delhi franchise, having represented the team across 10 IPL seasons during his playing career. He began his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils, as the franchise was previously known, and became one of its most successful bowlers.

His return is therefore more than a routine coaching appointment. Mishra understands the franchise's history, the demands of the competition and the pressure players face during a long IPL season. That familiarity could help him establish strong working relationships with the squad and support staff.

Speaking about his new role, Mishra expressed happiness at beginning his coaching career with the same franchise where his IPL journey started. He also spoke about his connection with Delhi and his desire to bring success and happiness to the team's supporters.

A Remarkable IPL Bowling Record

Mishra finished his IPL playing career with 174 wickets from 162 matches across 16 seasons. His best figures were five wickets for 17 runs, highlighting his ability to produce match-changing performances with the ball.

He also holds a unique record in the tournament: he is the only bowler to have taken three IPL hat-tricks, each for a different franchise. His hat-tricks came while representing Delhi Daredevils in 2008, Deccan Chargers in 2011 and Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013.

These achievements give Mishra considerable practical experience to draw upon as a coach. He has bowled in different conditions, against a wide range of international batters and in situations where a single over can change the outcome of a match.

His Experience Could Benefit Delhi's Young Spinners

One of Mishra's main responsibilities will be to help Delhi Capitals develop their spin-bowling options. His knowledge of leg-spin, variations, flight and changes of pace could be particularly valuable to younger bowlers who are still learning how to succeed consistently in T20 cricket.

Zeeshan Ansari, who joined Delhi in a trade deal involving Sunrisers Hyderabad and fast bowler T Natarajan, is among the players who could benefit from Mishra's guidance. The left-arm wrist-spinner offers a different style of attack, and working with an experienced leg-spinner could help him refine his plans and decision-making.

Leg-spinners Vipraj Nigam and Rehan Ahmed could also benefit if they remain part of the squad for IPL 2027. Mishra's role will involve more than teaching variations; he will need to help bowlers assess match situations, understand opposition batters and choose the right deliveries under pressure.

Ganguly and Yuvraj Lead the New Coaching Setup

Mishra joins a coaching group featuring several former international stars. Sourav Ganguly will lead the team as head coach, while Yuvraj Singh has been appointed assistant and batting coach. Chaminda Vaas will oversee the fast-bowling department.

The appointments bring experience from different areas of the game. Ganguly offers leadership and strategic knowledge, Yuvraj brings his experience as a successful international batter and all-rounder, while Vaas contributes extensive knowledge of fast bowling across conditions.

Mishra completes an important part of the specialist coaching structure by taking responsibility for spin. Together, the group will work to improve the squad's technical skills, tactical awareness and preparation ahead of the new season.

A New Challenge After Retirement

Mishra retired from professional cricket in September 2025, ending a career that included appearances for India across all three international formats. He played 22 Tests, 36 One-Day Internationals and 10 T20 Internationals, taking 156 wickets for his country.

His first coaching assignment with Delhi Capitals offers an opportunity to transfer that experience to a new generation of cricketers. Coaching requires a different approach from playing, with an emphasis on communication, preparation, technical feedback and helping individuals perform consistently within a team structure.

Having shared dressing rooms with many players across his IPL career, Mishra is also familiar with the pressures of franchise cricket. That background could help him explain tactical decisions through practical examples from his own playing days.

Delhi Capitals Aim for a Stronger IPL 2027 Campaign

Delhi Capitals are making significant changes as they prepare for IPL 2027. The coaching appointments are part of a broader effort to strengthen the team's structure and improve its competitiveness after finishing sixth in the 2026 season.

The franchise has yet to win an IPL title, and building a consistent bowling attack will be one of the priorities for the new campaign. Spin bowling can be particularly influential during the middle overs, when teams seek wickets while controlling the scoring rate.

Mishra's task will be to help the spinners develop clear roles and perform effectively under pressure. His appointment does not guarantee immediate results, but it gives Delhi a specialist coach with substantial experience in the tournament.

A New Chapter for a Proven Match-Winner

Amit Mishra's return to Delhi Capitals brings his IPL journey full circle. After spending 10 seasons as a player for the franchise and establishing himself as one of the competition's most successful wicket-takers, he now returns to help develop its next generation of bowlers.

With Ganguly, Yuvraj and Vaas also part of the coaching team, Delhi Capitals have assembled an experienced support staff ahead of IPL 2027. The challenge now is to translate that experience into better performances on the field and build a team capable of sustaining a title challenge.