Delhi Capitals Coach Hemang Badani Faces Backlash After IPL Defeat
Badani's Past Comments Resurface
Hemang Badani, the head coach of Delhi Capitals, is currently experiencing the repercussions of his past remarks as an old interview from 2025 has come back to haunt him. Following a disheartening nine-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth criticized Badani, not only for the team's performance but also for his previous comments regarding Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming's coaching abilities.
In a conversation with ex-cricketer Yo Mahesh, Badani had questioned Fleming's reputation as a top coach, suggesting that MS Dhoni was the primary reason for his success. He raised doubts about Fleming's achievements in other leagues, stating, "If Fleming is such a big coach, why hasn't he won anywhere else apart from the IPL?" He further asserted, "CSK are winning because of Dhoni. Dhoni is the kingpin... if someone says Fleming is a good coach, I won't agree to it."
Srikkanth's Strong Critique
Kris Srikkanth's Response
Srikkanth did not hold back in his criticism, especially as the Delhi Capitals find themselves in seventh place with only three wins from eight matches. He reminded Badani of his earlier statements and urged him to focus on his own team's struggles instead of criticizing others. "On top of all this, Hemang Badani went after Stephen Fleming," Srikkanth expressed. "Hey Hemang. First, take care of yourself before talking about others. I have always said this: 'in life, don't talk too much'. He spoke too much. Now, he has to shut up and watch stuff happening."
Srikkanth continued to question Badani's strategic decisions, stating, "Everybody is bringing this up and slamming him. Why talk about others? You should have been mindful of your job. Who are you to say Stephen Fleming won only because of MS Dhoni? What have you done? Anything special? Nothing."
Capitals' Struggles Continue
The Delhi Capitals are currently enduring one of their worst batting phases. Just days after a remarkable 264-run performance in a losing effort against Punjab Kings, where they conceded the highest successful chase in IPL history, they faced a humiliating defeat against RCB. The Capitals were bowled out for a mere 75 runs, marking their third-lowest total in IPL history. At one point, the scoreboard read an alarming 9 for 6, threatening to set a record for the lowest total in the league's history. Only a resilient 30 from Abishek Porel spared them from complete embarrassment as RCB chased down the target in just 6.3 overs.
Srikkanth also criticized the management's choices, particularly the decision to debut 18-year-old Sahil Parikh while dropping Pathum Nissanka. This move backfired when Parikh faced Bhuvneshwar Kumar's skilled swing bowling right away. "Why allow Sahil to take strike ahead of KL Rahul?" Srikkanth questioned, pointing out that more experienced players like Prithvi Shaw were left on the bench. After a strong start last season, the Capitals are now facing a familiar predicament with three consecutive losses and a coach under scrutiny.