Ex-BCCI Selector Srikkanth Slams DC Coach Hemang Badani After IPL 2026 Horror

The Nightmare in Delhi: DC’s IPL 2026 Collapse

The atmosphere surrounding the Delhi Capitals (DC) has shifted from hope to hostility in a remarkably short span of time. As the IPL 2026 season progresses, the franchise finds itself embroiled in a cocktail of poor on-field performances and heated off-field controversies. Currently languishing in seventh place on the points table, the team is struggling to find its identity, leaving the management and head coach Hemang Badani under immense scrutiny.

For a franchise with significant resources and talent, the current trajectory is alarming. The pressure is no longer just about the standings; it is about the leadership and the philosophy guiding the team. With consecutive defeats mounting, the cracks in the Capitals’ campaign have become impossible to ignore, leading to a surge of criticism from both fans and cricket pundits.

The 75-Run Disaster: A New Season Low

The tipping point for the franchise came during a catastrophic encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) this past Monday. In a match that will likely go down as one of the most embarrassing moments in the team’s history, the side led by Axar Patel was bundled out for a meager 75 runs.

The humiliation was compounded by the efficiency of the RCB batting lineup, who chased down the target in under seven overs, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory. This total now stands as the lowest of the ongoing season, reflecting a complete systemic failure in the DC batting order. To make matters worse, this collapse occurred at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, their own home turf, turning a sporting defeat into a public relations nightmare for the home side.

The Fleming Fiasco: Words That Backfired

While the results on the pitch are dire, the narrative has been further complicated by the outspoken nature of head coach Hemang Badani. Prior to the current slump, Badani sparked a massive debate by questioning the credentials of Stephen Fleming, the highly successful head coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Badani had openly questioned Fleming’s achievements outside the confines of the IPL, suggesting that CSK’s dominance was purely a result of MS Dhoni’s genius rather than coaching prowess. During an interview with Yo Mahesh, Badani asked, “If Fleming is such a big coach, why hasn’t he won anywhere else apart from the IPL?” He specifically pointed to Fleming’s stints in the SA20, The Hundred, and the Big Bash League to support his argument, stating, “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 Steps In: A Brutal Reality Check

These comments have now come back to haunt Badani, drawing the ire of former India cricketer and ex-BCCI selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth. Known for his candid nature, Srikkanth did not hold back in his assessment of the DC coach, utilizing his YouTube channel to deliver a scathing critique.

Srikkanth urged Badani to prioritize his own failing campaign over criticizing others. “On top of all this, Hemang Badani went after Stephen Fleming. Hey Hemang. First, take care of yourself before talking about others,” Srikkanth remarked. He further cautioned against the dangers of overconfidence, adding, “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 also questioned Badani’s own track record, challenging the coach to produce evidence of his own significant achievements before attempting to dismantle the legacy of a coach like Fleming. “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,” Srikkanth added emphatically.

A Pattern of Inconsistency

Looking back, the current crisis seems to be part of a worrying trend. Badani was appointed as head coach before the IPL 2025 season. While the team managed to finish fifth in his inaugural year, they suffered a sudden drop in form that saw them miss out on the playoffs. The 2026 season is mirroring that same inconsistency, suggesting that the issues within the squad may be deeper than just a few bad games.

The Road Ahead: Survival Mode for Delhi

The math is now simple but daunting: Delhi Capitals need to win at least five of their remaining six matches to keep their playoff dreams alive. With their backs against the wall, every single delivery now carries immense weight.

The next critical test arrives on Friday, May 1, when they face the Rajasthan Royals. For Axar Patel and Hemang Badani, this match is more than just a quest for points—it is a battle for credibility. Whether the Capitals can silence the critics and overturn their current form remains to be seen, but for now, the pressure is squarely on the management to deliver results over rhetoric.