Krishnamachari Srikkanth, the former BCCI Chairman of Selectors and former India Captain, has delivered a blunt public rebuke of Delhi Capitals Head Coach Hemang Badani, speaking on his YouTube channel as the franchise’s IPL 2026 campaign deteriorates at an alarming rate.
Two performances that brought matters to a head
The timing of Srikkanth’s intervention follows two of the most alarming performances Delhi Capitals have produced in recent memory. Just 48 hours after conceding 265 in the highest successful run chase in IPL history to Punjab Kings, the Axar Patel-led side were bundled out for 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the lowest total of the IPL 2026 season. RCB completed the chase inside seven overs, winning by nine wickets and leaving Delhi Capitals with questions that go far beyond selection.
Srikkanth’s verdict on Badani
It was against this backdrop that Srikkanth went after Badani directly.
“On top of all this, Hemang Badani went after Stephen Fleming. 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 said.
Srikkanth then addressed Badani’s credentials directly.
“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.
Badani’s original remarks on Fleming
In an earlier interview, Badani had turned his attention to Fleming’s record across competitions outside the IPL, including the SA20, The Hundred, and the Big Bash League.
“If Fleming is such a big coach, why hasn’t he won anywhere else apart from the IPL? CSK are winning because of Dhoni. Dhoni is the kingpin. If someone says Fleming is a good coach, I won’t agree to it,” Badani told Yo Mahesh.
Fleming has guided Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles. Those comments, largely absorbed at the time, have resurfaced with force as Delhi Capitals’ own results demand accountability from their coaching setup.
A tactical call that also drew scrutiny
Srikkanth’s criticism extended beyond the Fleming remarks to a specific in-match decision against RCB.
“Why allow Sahil to take strike ahead of KL Rahul?” he questioned.
Where Delhi Capitals stand
Badani was appointed Delhi Capitals Head Coach ahead of IPL 2025, guiding the side to a fifth-place finish in his first season. The current campaign has taken a sharper downward turn. Sitting seventh in the IPL 2026 standings, Delhi Capitals now need to win at least five of their remaining six matches to harbour any realistic hope of reaching the playoffs.
Their next assignment arrives on Friday, May 1, against Rajasthan Royals, with Mitchell Starc expected to return to the side for that fixture.
