Purani Dilli 6 made a strong comeback in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 and with five wins in nine matches, they are second in the points table. The Anuj Rawat-led side is now aiming for a top-two finish, which will give them two opportunities to qualify for the final. Ahead of their last league stage game against East Delhi Riders, Purani Dilli 6 owner Akash Nangia spoke to Sports Now about the team’s rise, their trophy ambitions and the use of AI in cricket. Excerpts:

Times Now: Can you tell us the inspiration behind the name Purani Dilli 6?

Akash: So when we were finalising the franchise names – rather, deciding which district would be allotted to whom—this was almost three years back. At that time, I think the marketing side of my brain kind of kicked in, and we thought that it is always better to have a name that includes the district itself. Everyone else was thinking along the lines of having a name like “Striker,” “Warrior,” or something similar. We felt that Purani Dilli is a brand in itself, so if we name it Dilli 6, it will automatically sync up. So that was the logic behind it, and hence Purani Dilli 6.

We felt that even if we translate the English version to Hindi, our purpose would be solved. Rather than having a name like Old Delhi Warriors or something, naming it Purani Dilli 6 makes it a standalone brand name and gets the job done.

Times Now: What is your vision for Purani Dilli 6 for the next 3 to 5 years?

Akash: 3 to 5 years…I think right now let’s take it one year at a time. This year’s thought process is simple: to bring home the cup once. We should win the trophy and win the season because whatever you may do as a team owner from a marketing standpoint, unless you win the cup, you don’t have a fan base that really looks up to you. So for now, the vision is simple: this year’s mission is to win the cup. As for the long-term vision, we’ll see step-by-step how we shape up.

Times Now: From an owner’s perspective, what are the biggest challenges that you face while running a franchise?

Akash: I wouldn’t call them the biggest challenges; there are minor things in life. You run businesses, so you are used to managing challenges that come to your door every now and then. Keeping the team together, ensuring there is no groupism, maintaining mutual affection, and working as a unified unit—I think that is where I personally feel the victory lies. If you move forward united like a clenched fist, you win the game; otherwise, you kind of fizzle out.

Times Now: Are you a hands-on owner or do you leave the cricketing decisions to the coaching staff?

Akash: 100% with the coaching staff. I mean, they know cricket way better than we all do. From a management standpoint, we do step in and help them wherever required, but cricket is their domain; they know it far better than us. They are the ones running on the ground, not us. So I think the more you leave it to them, the better it is.

The more you poke your nose in as an owner, the more you end up ruining things. I would not like to name anyone, but if you look at the IPL, you’ll see that teams where owners interfere too much in operations never win. Where things are left to the cricket experts, results turn out much better.

Times Now: So AI is a buzzword right now. Do you see AI playing a bigger role in scouting and other areas of the game?

Akash: I think from a training perspective, AI will definitely be helpful. However, the role of a master trainer – the physical training aspect—will not be replaced. But I think the work done by assistant coaches can definitely be resolved through AI, and young players will benefit a lot from this because not everyone can afford to go to one of the best coaches. Through AI, you will be able to at least learn the tricks of the trade in a much better fashion. So yes, top players won’t be replaced, but I’m sure assistant coaches at the second level might get replaced.

Times Now: So presently, is AI part of Purani Dilli 6’s coaching staff or decision-making process?

Akash: Not for now, to be honest. We couldn’t implement it this year, but yes, we definitely plan to in the coming years. In fact, we have shortlisted a company with whom we are developing training modules and similar tools. So hopefully by next season, we should be ready.

Times Now: And Purani Dilli 6 finished last in 2025, and this year they have qualified for the second round. So what different do you think the team has done?

Akash: Like I mentioned earlier, it is very important for the team to have built a strong bond. Only 11 players play on the field—12 including the Impact Player—but the full squad consists of 23 to 25 players. So it is very important that the remaining group also supports the playing XI, which I think has been a winning factor for us this year. There is a sense of family love, no internal competition, and no toxic culture whatsoever. I think that is the secret recipe for every team, whether it’s ours or anyone else’s. As long as they work as a group, they will perform well. The moment individuals start playing selfishly, the team starts losing.

Times Now: And the last one: one word or line that defines the Purani Dilli 6 team.

Akash: I think we are here to stay and make a mark. Hopefully, we should be able to prove it this year.