Delhi Capitals are ramping up preparations for IPL 2026 with a key addition to their coaching ranks: John Mooney, the ex-Ireland all-rounder, named as fielding coach. This move underscores the team’s commitment to assembling a world-class support staff in pursuit of IPL glory.
Certified at ECB Levels 3, 2, and 1, Mooney takes over from Gnaneshwar Rao and Anton Roux, who exited post-IPL 2025. He joins a star-studded coaching panel including head coach Hemang Badani, bowling coach Munaf Patel, assistant coach Ian Bell, and director Venugopal Rao.
Mooney’s coaching resume is impressive. He guided Afghanistan’s fielding during their historic Test debut versus India in 2018-19, collaborated with West Indies men in 2019, and currently leads Ireland women on an interim basis since January.
During his international stint from 2006-2015, the left-hand bat and right-arm seamer featured in 64 ODIs, amassing 963 runs including three fifties across 55 innings (14 not outs), and 27 T20Is with 231 runs. His bowling haul stands at 48 ODI wickets and 10 in T20Is. Mooney played in three ODI World Cups and two T20 World Cups for Ireland.
The team recently lost mentor Kevin Pietersen, but optimism remains high under Axar Patel’s leadership. DC’s season opener is set for April 1 at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium against LSG. Finishing fifth last year with seven victories from 14 games, they eye a stronger showing with this new fielding expertise.
Mooney’s tactical acumen in the fielding department could be the game-changer Delhi Capitals need to finally lift the IPL trophy.