Hemang Badani, currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals, has been appointed as the head coach of Southern Brave men for the 2026 season of The Hundred. Badani replaces Adi Birrell and will work alongside former England batsman Ian Bell, who has been appointed as assistant coach for the upcoming campaign.
The partnership already exists within the Delhi Capitals set-up, where Bell was recently appointed as Badani’s deputy ahead of the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League.
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The move also reflects the growing influence of IPL-affiliated franchises in overseas leagues. Southern Brave are part-owned by the GMR group, co-owners of Delhi Capitals, which holds a 49 percent stake in the Hundred franchise.
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Badani has built a strong coaching resume since retiring from professional cricket. The former India international previously coached Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and led the team to several titles. He has also worked with several global franchise teams, including Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket and Dubai Capitals in the International League T20.
At Delhi Capitals, Badani took over as head coach ahead of the IPL 2025 season, replacing Ricky Ponting.
BADANI LOOK TO CHANGE BRAVE’S FORTUS
The Brave will be hoping Badani helps the team rediscover its best form. The franchise won the inaugural men’s 100 title in 2021 and finished second in 2024, but struggled in the final season and failed to reach the knockout stages. With a talented squad and a revamped coaching set-up, the team will look to return to the title fight in the upcoming edition.
The Hundred is set to begin on July 21, with the Southern Braves set to play their opening game on July 22 against the Welsh Fire at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
For Badani, the new role represents another opportunity to expand his influence in global franchise cricket. Balancing duties with the Capitals and Brave, the former India batsman will now look to translate his coaching philosophy into success in two of the world’s most prominent T20 competitions.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
10 March 2026 14:41 IST
