Ian Bell, assistant coach of the Delhi Capitals, acknowledged on Saturday that his team’s IPL 2026 campaign has been hampered by batting inconsistency and urged batsmen to stand up and back KL Rahul, who is in form.
Although Rahul has scored 477 runs in 12 games this season, other batsmen have had difficulty making a consistent contribution.
“When you look at the top four teams at the moment, there is a lot of consistency in the batting line up. I think over a period of time now, not having that stability in the batting line up is something we are obviously working towards,” PTI quoted Bell telling the media ahead of DC’s match in Delhi against Rajasthan Royals.
“KL has again had a fantastic year. He has increased his strike rate, which is what a lot of people asked him to do. But we need other people to step up as well and be more consistent. I don’t think anyone quite yet has made himself undroppable by performance, and I think that’s important as well,” he added.
With 10 points from 12 games, the Capitals are now in seventh place in the standings. They need to win the next two games to maintain their chances of making the playoffs.
Bell highlighted DC’s erratic season by highlighting the team’s two disparate batting attempts.
“We have to accept — and it has been a crazy season — the fact that we scored 265 (vs PBKS and lost) here and then followed that up by getting bowled out for 70 (vs RCB). You can’t win competitions if you’re that inconsistent.”
“Plan A is to be ultra aggressive. But we’ve also seen here in Delhi where the wicket can be a little bit different and you’ve got to use different skills. You’re not going to win T20 cricket anymore by playing safe and building a foundation. But I think the best teams can adapt. That’s where we have to be better,” he said.
DC’s lackluster performances thus far are mostly down to captain Axar Patel’s mediocre form with bat and ball, but Bell thought the all-rounder might end on a high note.
“I think it has been really important to support him and get around him. It’s not easy. He’s an important player not just for this franchise, but for India as well in T20 cricket. He’s obviously disappointed more than probably anyone else. Hopefully, he can finish on a real high. We know what he can do at his best and we have got to keep supporting him through that,” said the former England batter.
