Tension has increased between the current and former coaches of Delhi Capitals (DC) amid the IPL 2026 season. Former Team India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth strongly criticized DC head coach Hemang Badani for making unnecessary comments on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming.
Several posts were made on social media platforms quoting Srikanth’s words on Badani. Interestingly, a post on the social media platform was ‘liked’ by former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, who was part of DC’s coaching set-up in the last season of the Indian Premier League. Pietersen left the franchise before IPL 2026 but remains in India to take up commentary duties in the league.
War of words started by Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani
A war of words has erupted over the controversial remarks of the head coach of Delhi Capitals targeting the head coach of CSK. Badani claimed that CSK and Fleming won 5 IPL titles only because MS Dhoni was with them. These types of comments have directly questioned the credibility of the opposing team and their head coach, which is not acceptable in modern cricket, where everyone is expected to maintain professional conduct.
“If Fleming is such a great coach, why hasn’t he won anywhere else other than the IPL?” Badani had in the past pointed to Fleming’s tenure in SA20, The Hundred and the Big Bash League,” Hemang Badani said during a press conference.
CSK is winning because of Dhoni. Dhoni is the kingpin… If someone says Fleming is a good coach, I would not agree with it,” he added.
Kris Srikkanth beats up DC coach
Former Team India captain Kris Srikkanth immediately reacted and said that Hemang Badani has not achieved anything special as a coach. Srikkanth suggests that the Delhi Capitals head coach should oil his machine and avoid talking about others.
Srikanth said on his YouTube channel, “Apart from all this, Hemang Badani went after Stephen Fleming. Hey Hemang. First of all, take care of yourself before talking about others. I have always said this: ‘In life, don’t talk too much. He talks too much. Now, he has to keep quiet and watch what is happening.’
He further countered Badani’s comments by saying, “Everyone is picking on it and criticizing him. Why talk about others? You should have been conscious of your work. Who are you to say that Stephen Fleming won only because of MS Dhoni? What have you done? Something special? Nothing.”
Kevin Pietersen liked Srikkanth’s view on Badani
Former Delhi Capitals mentor Kevin Pietersen liked this post on Instagram pic.twitter.com/yvoRoDaGFY
– Jyotirmay Das (@dasjy0tirmay) 29 April 2026
Delhi Capitals are in a difficult position in the IPL 2026 points table.
Under the coaching of Hemang Badani, Delhi Capitals, who missed out on making the playoffs last season, are in a challenging position in the ongoing Indian Premier League, mainly due to lack of consistency and tactical flaws.
In their last 5 matches, Delhi has managed to win only one game and have lost four. Currently, they are placed seventh in the IPL 2026 points table with 6 points from 3 wins after playing 8 matches.
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