Virat Kohli's Childhood Coach Raj Kumar Sharma Named State Mentor, Vijay Dahiya Appointed Delhi Head Coach

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) today, September 25, 2026, unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its coaching and support staff, setting the stage for the 2026-27 domestic cricket season. In a move aimed at rejuvenating Delhi's cricketing fortunes, former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya has been appointed as the senior men's chief coach, marking his return to a pivotal role with the state team. Virat Kohli Arrives in Thiruvananthapuram Ahead of India vs West Indies 1st ODI.

DDCA Revamps Delhi Cricket Structure

Complementing Dahiya's appointment, renowned Dronacharya awardee Rajkumar Sharma, widely recognized as Virat Kohli's childhood coach, will serve as the State Mentor for Delhi's men's teams. This dual appointment signifies the DDCA's intent to infuse both experienced leadership and foundational cricketing wisdom into its setup.

Key Appointments for 2026-27 Season

The new coaching structure sees several experienced individuals stepping into crucial roles. KP Bhaskar has been named the chairperson of the Senior Men's Selection Committee, bringing his expertise to the selection process. For the women's teams, Dronacharya awardee Sunita Sharma has been appointed as the State Mentor.

Continuing in his role, Kshitiz Sharma will serve as an assistant coach with the senior men's team. The Under-23 men's team will be led by former domestic batter Robin Bisht as its chief coach, with Mohan Chaturvedi, Rajinder Singh Chawla, and Shashi Ranjan joining him as assistant coaches. These appointments underscore the DDCA's commitment to developing talent across all levels and ensuring a robust support system for its players.

Vijay Dahiya and Raj Kumar Sharma's Respective Journeys

Vijay Dahiya's return as head coach is particularly noteworthy. He previously guided Delhi to a Ranji Trophy triumph during the 2007-08 season, ending a 16-year title drought. His deep understanding of Delhi's cricketing landscape and his proven track record are expected to be invaluable. Dahiya has also served as assistant coach for IPL franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Gujarat Titans, showcasing his experience in high-performance environments. Gautam Gambhir Praises Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India Coach Says ‘Very Fortunate’ To Have Duo On-and-Off the Field.

Rajkumar Sharma's role as State Mentor highlights the importance of grassroots development and mentoring. As the long-time coach of superstar Virat Kohli, Sharma brings a wealth of experience in nurturing young talent and instilling strong cricketing fundamentals. He was previously appointed as the head coach of the Delhi senior team for the 2020-21 domestic season. His Dronacharya award further attests to his significant contributions to Indian cricket coaching.

The comprehensive appointments aim to create a cohesive and effective leadership team for Delhi cricket, focusing on both immediate performance and long-term player development for the upcoming domestic season.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2026 02:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).