Delhi coach Dahiya urges players to take ownership ahead of Ranji campaign

Vijay Dahiya has stressed the need for Delhi's cricketers to take ownership of the team's fortunes as the domestic red-ball season gets underway. Addressing the squad ahead of their Ranji Trophy campaign against Bengal, the head coach emphasized that self-belief, personal responsibility and pride in representing the state are essential to reviving the side's fortunes in longer-format cricket.

"It's an honour to come back and be part of this group, which excites me," Dahiya said after taking charge for the third time. The veteran coach, who has tracked domestic cricket developments closely through his commentary work, believes the players must seize the initiative rather than await external intervention to engineer a turnaround.

Delhi has historically struggled to convert individual brilliance into collective success in the Ranji Trophy, despite producing several international cricketers and former Indian captains. "We do need a turnaround in red-ball cricket, and the players need to understand what the format requires," Dahiya noted, underscoring the importance of comprehending the nuances of Test cricket.

The coach's emphasis on player-driven accountability signals a strategic shift in Delhi's approach to domestic cricket. By backing senior figures like Badoni to lead from the front, Dahiya aims to foster a culture where the squad takes greater responsibility for performance outcomes and team cohesion.