Delhi Capitals Coach Defends David Miller Amid Criticism in IPL 2026
Support for David Miller from Delhi Capitals Management
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] - April 20: Hemang Badani, the head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC), has come forward to support senior batsman David Miller after he faced backlash regarding his decision-making during the recent narrow defeat to Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026. Badani emphasized that the seasoned South African player has demonstrated resilience and continues to have the full backing of the team management.
During a pre-match press conference before the upcoming game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Badani strongly defended Miller, addressing the discussions surrounding his performance in the previous match against Gujarat.
He acknowledged the disappointment of the close loss but reiterated that Miller's experience and intent are beyond question, especially in the context of the split-second decisions required in high-pressure T20 matches.
Badani stated, "First and foremost, we need to recognize that he has been in the game for a long time. Losing a match like the one against Gujarat is indeed heartbreaking. There has been considerable discussion about it across social media, news outlets, and even on television."
He further explained that decision-making in such high-stakes situations can be contentious, but the team stands firmly behind Miller and his intentions.
"Ultimately, the player must make a decision at some point. Sometimes those decisions are correct, and sometimes they are not. I still believe he made the right choice, despite differing opinions, which I respect," he added.
Badani also highlighted Miller's established reputation as a reliable finisher, noting that the team's internal culture is centered around trust and support for its players, particularly after close losses.
"He has shown character in overcoming challenges. The world recognizes him as someone capable of finishing games, and we have faith in him," Badani remarked.
He also mentioned that the team management, including the captain and players, had an open discussion following the narrow defeat, reaffirming their support for Miller.
"If you review the visuals, you will see how we supported him even after that one-run loss. The conversation among the captain, coach, management, and players was clear: it’s perfectly fine; such things happen, and we trust you," he stated.
When asked about the fitness status of DC captain Axar Patel, Badani confirmed that the all-rounder is fit and ready for selection for the match against SRH on Tuesday. "All is well. He is fit to play," he said.
In the previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Patel had to retire hurt due to severe leg cramps, requiring assistance from RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya to leave the field.
Currently, the Capitals are positioned fifth in the IPL 2026 standings, with three wins and two losses from five matches, totaling six points. Meanwhile, SRH holds the fourth position with the same points tally, having achieved three wins and three losses in six games.