IPL 2027: Yuvraj Singh, Sourav Ganguly and Zaheer Khan lead coaching shake-up

Ahead of the 20th edition of the IPL, several changes have been made at the management level in the 20-team league. Yuvraj Singh, a former India all-rounder and World Cup winner, has been appointed as the assistant and batting coach of Delhi Capitals, his first official stint as coach. Singh expressed excitement about starting a new chapter with the franchise, recalling his old association with the team.

Sourav Ganguly, the former India captain, will take charge of Delhi Capitals as head coach for the 2027 season. Ganguly had previously served as the team's advisor in 2019 and director of cricket in 2023/24. He succeeded Hemang Badani as head coach.

Stephen Fleming, the head coach of Chennai Super Kings for 18 years, has stepped down after Dhoni's retirement and the team's struggles in the last three seasons. Fleming will now join England's test squad, while former associate Eric Simons has joined as the Test bowling coach.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has returned to Delhi Capitals for the 2027 season after a trade from Lucknow Super Giants. Pant, who became the most expensive Indian player in IPL history, is returning to the city where he played domestic cricket and will take a pay cut in return for the services of left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Zaheer Khan, an Indian World Cup winner, has been appointed as the new head coach of Chennai Super Kings, succeeding Fleming. Zaheer will reunite with Dhoni, who remains an active player on paper for the franchise.

Hardik Pandya, an India all-rounder, has left Mumbai Indians for Gujarat Titans in a controversial move. Pandya, who is struggling with fitness due to multiple injuries and doubts over his long-term availability, remains an attractive option for many franchises as he is one of the few quality all-rounders in the country with a proven record with title-winning sides.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have brought back left-arm seamer T. Natarajan from Delhi Capitals, trading him for leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari. Meanwhile, Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lankan captain, has parted ways with Mumbai Indians after two seasons as head coach. The coach's departure coincides with a leadership crisis within the franchise, where young players such as Hardik Pandya were brought in as captains despite the presence of veteran players Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.