Delhi Capitals have already started shaping their plans for the IPL 2027 mini-auction, with new head coach Sourav Ganguly reportedly keen to bring back two familiar overseas faces. Australia's explosive batter Jake Fraser-McGurk and West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope are among the players Ganguly wants to see in the Delhi squad again.
Speaking in an interview with a newspaper, the former India captain openly named the two overseas cricketers as potential targets. Both players have previously represented Delhi Capitals, giving the franchise an understanding of their abilities and experience in the IPL.
Fraser-McGurk first joined Delhi Capitals in 2024 as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi. He immediately attracted attention with his aggressive batting and ability to score quickly. His impressive performances convinced Delhi to retain him through the Right to Match (RTM) option at the subsequent mega auction, spending Rs 9 crore on the Australian batter.
So far, Fraser-McGurk has played 15 IPL matches, scoring 385 runs at an impressive strike rate of 199.49. However, his performance in the 2025 season was disappointing. He managed just 55 runs in six matches, after which Delhi decided to release him.
Ganguly now appears interested in giving the explosive Australian another opportunity to prove himself in Delhi colours.
The other name on Ganguly's wishlist is Shai Hope. Delhi Capitals signed the West Indies batter for Rs 40 lakh at the 2024 auction. Hope scored 183 runs in nine innings during that season, maintaining a strike rate of 150. Despite his contribution, the franchise released him after just one season. Ganguly is now considering bringing him back into the squad.
Major Changes in Delhi's Coaching Setup
Delhi Capitals have also made several significant changes to their coaching structure ahead of the new season.
Sourav Ganguly has taken charge as head coach, while former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has been appointed assistant and batting coach. Experienced leg-spinner Amit Mishra has joined the coaching staff as the spin bowling coach.
The franchise has also remained active in the player trading market. Delhi have reportedly traded T Natarajan to Sunrisers Hyderabad in exchange for Zeeshan Ansari. In another significant move, the franchise has brought back Rishabh Pant through a trade involving Kuldeep Yadav and Lucknow Super Giants.
Can Ganguly End Delhi's Trophy Drought?
Delhi Capitals reached their first IPL final in 2020 but have yet to win the tournament. The franchise has also struggled to secure a playoff position over the last two seasons.
With a revamped coaching team and plans to strengthen the overseas batting department, Delhi will be hoping for a fresh start in IPL 2027.
The deadline for franchises to submit their list of retained players is November 17, while the mini-auction is scheduled to take place in Goa on December 16.
All eyes will now be on Ganguly's auction strategy and whether Delhi Capitals can successfully bring Fraser-McGurk and Shai Hope back into their squad.
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