Delhi Capitals Sign John Mooney as Fielding Coach for IPL 2026
Synopsis
Delhi Capitals have named John Mooney, a former Ireland all-rounder, as their new fielding coach for IPL 2026. This marks a strategic move as the team prepares for the season starting March 28, aiming for their first IPL trophy.
Key Takeaways
John Mooney appointed as fielding coach for Delhi Capitals.
IPL 2026 starts on March 28.
Experienced coaching staff in place for Delhi Capitals.
Team aims for their first IPL title this season.
Mooney has a robust coaching background and international experience.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) The Delhi Capitals have officially announced the appointment of John Mooney, a former all-rounder from Ireland, as their new fielding coach ahead of the eagerly awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which is set to kick off on March 28.
Mooney will be joining an experienced coaching staff at Delhi Capitals, featuring Hemang Badani as the head coach, former Indian fast bowler Munaf Patel in the role of bowling coach, and Ian Bell, a former England international, as the assistant coach. The team’s director for IPL 2026 is Venugopal Rao.
Having attained coaching qualifications at Levels 1, 2, and 3 from the England Cricket Board, Mooney succeeds Gnaneswara Rao and Anton Roux, who both parted ways with the team following the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Previously, Mooney served as the fielding coach for the Afghanistan national team from 2018 to 2019, during which Afghanistan made their Test debut in India. He also worked with the West Indies men's team in 2019 and has taken on a temporary coaching role with the Ireland women's team since January this year.
Mooney's international career includes 91 matches for Ireland, featuring in three ICC Cricket World Cups (2007, 2011, and 2015) and two ICC Men's T20 World Cups. As a player, he was a left-handed batsman and a right-arm fast bowler, representing Ireland in 64 ODIs and 27 T20Is from 2006 to 2015. He is famously known for scoring the winning runs in Ireland's historic victory against England during the 2011 World Cup in Bengaluru.
Unfortunately, the Delhi Capitals have encountered a setback with the withdrawal of their mentor, Kevin Pietersen, from the upcoming season.
Leading the squad for another season will be India's T20 World Cup 2026 champion Axar Patel. The team boasts seasoned Indian players like KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav, alongside Australia's top bowler Mitchell Starc, who are expected to deliver strong performances against competitors.
Last season, Delhi Capitals narrowly missed out on a playoff spot, finishing fifth with seven wins out of 14 matches. Despite their efforts, they have yet to secure an IPL trophy, and this 19th season presents another opportunity to finally achieve that goal.
Point of View
The appointment of John Mooney as fielding coach signals a proactive approach to enhance their team dynamics. With a strong coaching staff and key players in the lineup, the Capitals aim to overcome previous setbacks and strive for their first title.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 is set to commence on March 28.
What is Delhi Capitals' goal for IPL 2026?
The Delhi Capitals aim to secure their first IPL trophy in the 19th season.
Who are the key members of the Delhi Capitals coaching staff?
The coaching staff includes Hemang Badani as head coach, Munaf Patel as bowling coach, and Ian Bell as assistant coach, with John Mooney as the fielding coach.
What was John Mooney's role before joining Delhi Capitals?
Before joining the Delhi Capitals, John Mooney served as the fielding coach for the Afghanistan national team and worked temporarily with the Ireland women's team.
