Delhi Capitals Coach Hemang Badani Faces Backlash After Disastrous IPL Performance

Delhi Capitals' Struggles in IPL 2026

Hemang Badani, the head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC), is under fire following the team's disappointing batting performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on April 27.

The Capitals suffered a severe batting collapse, finding themselves at a staggering 13/6 during the powerplay and ultimately being bowled out for just 75 runs in 16.3 overs. RCB easily chased down the modest target of 76 runs in just 6.3 overs, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring an unbeaten 34 and Virat Kohli contributing 23 runs, forming a solid partnership of 51 runs for the second wicket.

In the batting lineup for DC, only Abhishek Porel (30), David Miller (19), and Kyle Jamieson (12) managed to score in double digits, while the rest of the team struggled against RCB's bowling attack.

Old Video of Badani Goes Viral

As Badani faced mounting criticism for the team's poor performance, an old clip of him criticizing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming resurfaced on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), and quickly gained traction.

In a two-year-old interview with Yo Mahesh, Badani had downplayed Fleming's coaching achievements, attributing CSK's success primarily to MS Dhoni rather than Fleming's influence.

"Stephen Fleming is often hailed as a great coach, but he hasn't won anywhere outside the IPL, not in SA20, The Hundred, Big Bash, or even as New Zealand's assistant coach. I wouldn't agree that he's a great coach," Badani stated.

"MS Dhoni is the one winning; he is the key player in that team. He knows how to manage players and bring out their best, whether through strictness or kindness," he added.

Srikkanth Critiques Badani's Comments

Former Indian opener and BCCI selector Kris Srikkanth referenced Badani's earlier remarks about Fleming, criticizing him for focusing on others instead of his own team's performance.

"Hemang, take care of your own team before commenting on others. I've always said, 'don't talk too much in life.' Now, he has to remain silent and observe what's happening," Srikkanth remarked on his YouTube channel.

"Why comment on others? You should have been more mindful of your responsibilities. What have you achieved? Nothing special," he added.

Srikkanth's comments reflect the growing frustration among fans and analysts regarding Badani's performance as coach.

Current Standings and Future Challenges

Following the defeat to RCB, the Delhi Capitals have dropped to seventh place in the points table, with three wins and five losses, totaling just six points and an NRR of -1.060 after eight matches.

To keep their playoff hopes alive in IPL 2026, DC must secure victories in at least five of their remaining matches.