New member joins DC IPL 2026 setup [Source: IPLT20.com]In a significant development, the Delhi Capitals have roped in former Ireland allrounder John Mooney as their fielding coach for the IPL 2026. Led by Axar Patel, the Capitals will kickstart their IPL 2026 campaign with a high-voltage clash against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium. Recently, the Delhi-based franchise lost a key member of their side, with Kevin Pietersen leaving the team mentor's role. However, with the tournament approaching, the Delhi Capitals have received a major boost, strengthening their support staff by adding the former Irish cricketer to their team. John Mooney joins DC as fielding coach for IPL 2026The Delhi Capitals blew hot and cold in the IPL 2025, failing to qualify for the playoffs. Under Axar Patel's leadership, the Capitals managed seven wins in 14 matches, making an unfortunate group-stage exit from the tournament. As they seek a turnaround in the upcoming season, the Delhi Capitals have boosted their coaching staff through a valuable addition. They announced the appointment of John Mooney as their fielding coach for the IPL 2026 season through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Delhi Capitals @DelhiCapitals Adding some Irish steel to the Dilli defence 🛡️ Welcome, John Mooney! 💙❤️ Mar 19, 2026, 11:11 AM John Mooney cricket career and statsHailed for his all-round attributes, John Mooney represented Ireland at the international level from 2006 to 2015. He was an integral member of the Irish cricket team that registered a historic victory over England in the 2011 World Cup in India. Although Kevin O'Brien etched his name in history books following a scintillating 50-ball hundred, John Mooney was one of the major architects of the famous Irish win. Also read: KL Rahul To Open, Prithvi Shaw Dropped; Delhi Capitals' Predicted Batting Order For IPL 2026The seam-bowling all-rounder bagged four crucial wickets, dismissing Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood and Tim Bresnan. Furthermore, he oozed his class with the bat when Ireland were in a precarious situation, tottering at 273 for six while chasing 330 runs. His vital cameo of 33 runs off just 30 deliveries powered the Irish team to a stunning victory over their English counterparts. Interestingly, it was Mooney who hit the winning boundary after Kevin O'Brien's untimely dismissal. Mooney made his international debut in a T20I against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge. He represented Ireland across 91 international matches, including 64 ODIs and 27 T20Is. Apart from scalping 58 wickets both formats combined, Mooney showcased his brilliance with the bat, amassing 963 and 231 runs, in ODIs and T20Is, respectively. Delhi Capitals coaching staff for IPL 2026John Mooney joins the Delhi Capitals coaching staff after Kevin Pietersen announced his unavailability as the team mentor for the IPL 2026. There are several renowned faces in the Delhi Capitals coaching staff for IPL 2026. Former Indian batter Hemang Badani is the head coach of the team, while 2011 World Cup-winner Munaf Patel serves as the bowling coach. Ian Bell is the assistant coach of the Capitals, with Mooney taking up the fielding coach's role for the upcoming season. Former cricketer Y. Venugopal Rao is the Director of cricket operations at the Delhi-based IPL franchise, while the team has yet to announce Pietersen's replacement as their team mentor. Also read: Dinesh Karthik Becomes Father Again; Wife Dipika Pallikal Reveals Baby Girl's Name
