DDCA set to change Rajkumar Sharma-led coaching staff

Rajkumar Sharma after the senior state team's dismal show in the past two domestic seasons. Rajkumar, a Dronacharya awardee, is best known for being megastar Virat Kohli's childhood coach. After Delhi were handsomely beaten by Jharkhand and failed to qualify from their group, it was a foregone conclusion that Rajkumar will be sacked.

The team finished last. "The entire coaching structure of DDCA will be revamped and hence Rajkumar's contract next season won't be renewed," a senior DDCA official, who is privy to policy decisions, confirmed the development to PTI. Rajkumar's tenure as the senior team coach is easily one of the worst in recent history of Delhi cricket.

Under Rajkumar, Delhi were outplayed in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year, failing to reach the knockouts in both the meets. This year was worse as Delhi were knocked out of all the tournaments at the group league stage after losing some matches comprehensively. It is understood that the kind of playing XIs that Rajkumar picked throughout his stint has left a lot to be desired.

Giving chances to non-performers and disinterested red-ball players also did not go down well with the top brass. Questions are being asked as to why Ayush Badoni, a very good red-ball player, was ignored, pacer Simarjeet Singh, who is on ascendancy, not picked and raw talent like Mayank Yadav not given even one chance. Revamp planningIt is understood that DDCA president Rohan Jaitley is discussing with the relevant people to draw up a calender to revive Delhi's red-ball cricket.