Who is Venugopal Rao? Looking at the career records of Delhi Capitals director of cricket for IPL 2025
The Delhi Capitals (DC) have appointed Venugopal Rao as the new Director of Cricket for the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rao has rejoined the franchise after representing them as a player from 2011-2013.
The 42-year-old was previously associated with the Dubai Capitals, serving as a mentor and Director of Cricket for the inaugural season.
On his appointment, Venugopal Rao said in a press release:
“My association with the franchise has been a long-standing one, and I am thankful for the trust our owners have placed in me by offering me this role. I look forward to this new challenge ahead of a new IPL cycle”
Delhi Capitals co-owner and chairman, Kiran Kumar Gandhi said on appointment of Hemang Badani and Venugopal’s appointment as head coach and Director of Cricket, respectively:
“We are delighted to welcome Hemang and Venu to Delhi Capitals. Both have been an integral part of our team for a long time, and we're excited to have them on board in a different role. With their proven track record as coaches, we're confident that their expertise will be invaluable in helping us achieve our objectives and drive success for Delhi Capitals."
Venugopal Rao’s career in numbers
Venugopal Rao has represented India in 16 ODIs, scoring 218 runs in 11 innings with the help of a solitary half-century, where he scored an unbeaten 61 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2006.
The Andra-born player, however, is known for his domestic career, scoring 7081 runs in 121 first-class games at an average of 40.93, comprising 17 tons and 30 half-centuries. He has also amassed 4110 runs in 137 List-A games, including 11 centuries and 25 fifties.
With the ball, the off-spinner has picked up 66 and 53 wickets in first-class and List-A career.
In the IPL, Rao scored 985 runs in 64 matches, including three half-centuries. Apart from the Capitals, he has also played for the Deccan Chargers and SunRisers Hyderabad in the T20 league. He was part of the 2009 IPL-winning team under Adam Gilchrist.