Former India off-spinner and national selector Sarandeep Singh has been appointed as the head coach of Delhi’s senior cricket team for the upcoming domestic season. The decision was made by the three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). Sarandeep will be supported by bowling coach V Aravind and batting coach Bantu Singh, both of whom are continuing in their roles from last season.
In a new development, the DDCA has introduced the role of mentors for the senior men’s team, with Atul Wassan appointed for the white-ball format and Robin Singh Junior for the red-ball format. Additionally, Reema Malhotra has been named the mentor for the women’s team. Last season’s head coach, Devang Gandhi, who was highly regarded for his work with both senior and junior players, will not be available for the upcoming season due to personal reasons and did not apply for the position.
The CAC, comprising former India players Surinder Khanna, Nikhil Chopra, and Anjali Malhotra, had two main candidates for the head coach role: Sarandeep Singh and former Delhi coach KP Bhaskar.
“The apex council has approved Sarandeep’s appointment as head coach. His name was also in consideration last year when Devang Gandhi took the position. Bhaskar was the other candidate, but he is expected to be appointed as one of the three selectors,” a senior DDCA official told PTI, requesting anonymity.
Sarandeep, 44, represented India in three Tests and five ODIs between 2000 and 2003. He also served as a national selector for the North Zone under MSK Prasad. Although his experience at the senior coaching level is relatively limited, it is understood that he has previously managed institutional teams.
In a parallel development, former India batter and Punjab’s only Ranji Trophy-winning captain, Gursharan Singh, has been recommended for the position of chairman of the selection committee. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) enforces a retirement age of 60 for national selectors, no such restriction exists at the state level. At 61, Gursharan has been a long-standing figure in the DDCA system, having served in various roles, including junior coach, senior selector, and CAC member.
If the CAC’s recommendations are followed, KP Bhaskar and former Delhi wicketkeeper-batter Rajiv Vinayak are expected to join Gursharan as the other two members of the selection committee. Additionally, a “CAC nominee” will act as an observer during the selection process to ensure transparency and fairness.
“While DDCA president Rohan Jaitley has maintained a non-interventionist approach regarding cricketing matters, leaving decisions to the sub-committees, his input will undoubtedly carry significant weight,” the source added.
