The IPL has a habit of bringing back old words at the worst possible time – and Hemang Badani is now learning the hard way as the Delhi Capitals head coach interview resurfaces in 2025.
Following Delhi’s humiliating loss by nine wickets to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday, former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth launched a blistering attack on Badani. Srikkanth’s anger was not only directed at the scoreboard, but at what he perceived as Badani’s past arrogance over Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming’s coaching credentials.RCB vs DC: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
The root of the controversy lies in comments Badani made during an interview with former cricketer Yo Mahesh. At the time, Badani questioned whether Fleming was really a “great” coach, suggesting that his success was entirely tied to MS Dhoni.
“If Fleming is such a great coach, why hasn’t he won anywhere else but the IPL?” asked Badani, pointing to Fleming’s SA20, The Hundred and Big Bash League positions. He went as far as to say, “CSK are winning because of Dhoni. Dhoni is the king… if someone says Fleming is a good coach, I will not agree.”
SRIKKANTH FIRES BADANI
With Delhi Capitals currently languishing at the 7th spot with just three wins from eight matches, Srikkanth has not held back. Srikkanth reminded Badani of his past remarks and suggested that the DC coach focus on his own sinking ship before criticizing others.
“To top it all off, Hemang Badani went after Stephen Fleming,” Srikkanth raged.
“Hey Hemang. Take care of yourself first before you talk about others. I always said this: ‘don’t talk much in life’. He talked too much. Now he has to shut up and watch what’s going on.”
Srikkanth continued the onslaught, questioning Badani’s own tactical skills.
“Everyone is pulling it out and bashing him. Why talk about others? You should have minded your own business. Who are you to say that Stephen Fleming won only because of MS Dhoni? What did you do? Something special? Nothing.”
HORROR NIGHT AT THE BOILER
The timing of the verbal volley coincided with one of the darkest chapters in Delhi’s batting history. Just days after scoring a massive 264 in a losing cause against Punjab Kings – a match in which they scored the highest successful run chase in IPL history – the Capitals’ confidence seemed to have been completely shaken.
Facing RCB at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi were bowled out for a paltry 75 – their third-lowest total in IPL history. at one point the scoreboard showed an incredible 9 for 6, threatens the lowest total in league history. Only a gritty 30 from Abishek Porel saved them from utter humiliation before RCB chased down the target in just 6.3 overs.
For the score, Srikkanth focused on the management decisions. Capitals dropped Pathum Nissanko to hand debut to 18-year-old Sahil Parikh, a move that backfired when Parikh was sent out to strike first against Bhuvneshwar Kumar with a first-class swing.
“Why allow Sahil to bat before KL Rahul?” asked Srikkanth, noting that more experienced options like Prithvi Shaw were left out.
For Delhi, the dj vu feel is palpable. Last season, the team collapsed after winning four of their first five games, ultimately missing the playoffs. With three losses on the bounce and a coach now under fire, the Capitals find themselves in a familiar,
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
28 Apr 2026 11:31 IST
