IPL 2019: From name to fortune, Delhi Capitals change for the better

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The underperforming side underwent a major rebranding late last year — becoming the Delhi Capitals with a new jersey, a new logo and a new anthem — after JSW Sport, part of a $13 billion business conglomerate, acquired a 50 percent stake.

For a franchise used to spending the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) wondering what went wrong, the Delhi Capitals have surprised themselves by making the playoff with two matches to spare in a remarkable turnaround. If their long-suffering fans found it difficult to be upbeat about the team at the start of this season, they could hardly be faulted.

The underperforming side underwent a major rebranding late last year — becoming the Delhi Capitals with a new jersey, a new logo and a new anthem — after JSW Sport, part of a $13 billion business conglomerate, acquired a 50 percent stake.

They appointed Australian Ricky Ponting as the head coach, but still ended the season bottom of the standings, their fourth such finish in 11 seasons.

To their fans, who had not seen the side make the playoffs since 2012, all of the changes looked cosmetic as they prepared for another season of underperformance.