Delhi Capitals (DC) has injected new energy into its backroom staff Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, appointing one of the great England players as his new assistant coach. The move signals a strategic shift for the franchise after the Australian tactician Matthew Mott Completed his tenure as an assistant coach during the 2025 campaign.
After missing the playoffs last season, the Capitals are determined to overhaul both their team and support system. The management believes that the addition of an experienced international name to the coaching group will bring calmness, tactical depth and valuable guidance to a team rich in talent but looking for continuity.
England icon begins IPL journey as Delhi Capitals assistant coach
The person who has been entrusted with this responsibility is none other than former England batsman ian bell. Considered one of England’s most elegant and reliable batsmen of his generation, Bell will be experiencing the IPL environment for the first time in any official capacity.
Bell’s playing career speaks volumes about his lineage. Representing England in 118 Tests, 161 ODIs and eight T20 Internationals, he was known for his classical strokeplay and composure under pressure. Since retiring from professional cricket in 2020, Bell has quietly built an impressive coaching resume.
He has been closely associated with the England Lions and Under-19 setup and has been instrumental in nurturing emerging talent. His eye for technique and flair has earned him praise in the English cricket world. Bell also served as the batting coach for Sri Lanka during the 2024 Test tour of England, providing valuable international exposure from the other side of the dressing room.
Additionally, he was given a short stint with the New Zealand men’s team during their preparations in England ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup. On the franchise circuit, Bell was part of the coaching unit of Birmingham Phoenix HundredDue to which his T-20 credibility has become stronger.
He will work under the Director of Cricket at Delhi Capitals Venugopal Raowith the head coach Hemang Badani and bowling coach Munaf Patel. The Capitals hope that Bell’s calm presence and technical expertise will sharpen their batting unit in difficult conditions – an area which cost them dearly in IPL 2025.
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A balanced DC team is ready for a big challenge
Apart from the coaching changes, Delhi Capitals have assembled a team that looks both balanced and battle-ready for IPL 2026. The franchise has blended established Indian stars with smart foreign acquisitions to create a strong unit.
such as after separating from poor performers Faf du Plessis And Jake Fraser-McGurkDC strengthened its top order by signing Pathum Nissanka And Ben Duckett, Also bringing back Prithvi Shaw to bring stability at the top. business acquisition of Nitish Rana and auction theft david miller Provide as well as retain experience and finishing skills for ₹2 crore Tristan Stubbs.
Their pace battery could be one of the most dangerous in the league, being led by Mitchell Starc, T. NatarajanAnd lungi ngidi. Meanwhile, investment of ₹8.40 crore in uncapped all-rounder Auqib Nabi Dar If he utilizes his potential it could prove to be a masterstroke. In the spin department, a trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Akshar PatelAnd Vipraraj Nigam Ensures control during the middle overs.
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