Will Virat Kohli's Coach Rajkumar Sharma Join Delhi Cricket Team Before Ranji Trophy?

Delhi cricket is preparing for another domestic season with an important decision still pending about who will take charge of the senior men's team? The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is expected to finalise its coaching plans ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season, with the team looking to build greater consistency after several underwhelming campaigns.

The appointment will be closely watched given Delhi's strong cricketing history and the number of talented players emerging from its club and age-group system. Among the names in contention is a familiar figure who has spent years working within Delhi's cricket structure, Rajkumar Sharma, the childhood coach of Virat Kohli.

Will Rajkumar Sharma Become Delhi Coach?

According to TOI's Sahil Malhotra, Virat Kohli childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma and another veteran are believed to be in a tight race for the Delhi head coach position. As of September 18, the contest is understood to be largely a two-way battle, although a late development could still change the equation.

This raises the prospects of Rajkumar Sharma Delhi head coach for next season. He certainly has the experience and familiarity with the system to make a strong case. He has previously coached Delhi and has also worked extensively with players at the age-group and club levels. His involvement with Delhi cricket goes deep, particularly through the club circuit, where he has continued to keep a close eye on emerging talent.

Sharma's coaching credentials also include his work with the Delhi U-23 side. During his tenure, Delhi won the CK Nayudu Trophy after beating Mumbai in the final. His approach during that campaign was built around giving opportunities to players who earned them, while maintaining a degree of independence from outside influence.

That background could make Rajkumar Sharma Delhi coach a particularly interesting possibility as the DDCA searches for stability in its men's set-up. Since he is the childhood coach of one of the best cricketers in the world, Virat Kohli, it raises the possibility even more.

Why Rajkumar Sharma Could Be Considered For Delhi Coach In Ranji Trophy 2026-27?

One of Sharma's biggest advantages is his familiarity with Delhi's robust club cricket structure. His association with the Bank of Baroda team has kept him closely connected with the players competing regularly in the city's 40-over and T20 competitions. That gives him an opportunity to track consistent performers rather than relying only on established names.

His recent association with the New Delhi Tigers in the Delhi Premier League has also kept him involved with the current generation of Delhi cricketers. The Tigers endured a difficult DPL 2026 campaign, finishing with just one win from 10 matches. However, Sharma has defended the tournament's importance as a pathway for players hoping to progress towards the IPL and India.

There has also been discussion around the role of coaches in franchise set-ups, where team composition and player decisions can involve several stakeholders. That context is relevant when assessing Sharma's DPL stint rather than attributing the team's overall campaign solely to the coach.