Following the Delhi Capitals' dramatic batting collapse against RCB, head coach Hemang Badani is facing heavy criticism. An old video of him taking a dig at CSK coach Stephen Fleming has resurfaced and gone viral, drawing further backlash from figures like Kris Srikkanth.
Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Hemang Badani has found himself at the centre of criticism and backlash after the team’s poor display of batting in the IPL 2026 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, April 27.
The Delhi Capitals witnessed a dramatic batting collapse, reducing to 13/6 in the powerplay before eventually being bundled out for 75 in 16.3 overs. The DC lost the match by nine wickets after RCB chased down a paltry 76-run target in 6.3 overs or 81 balls to spare, with Devdutt Padikkal (34*) and Virat Kohli (23*) forming an unbeaten 51-run stand for the second wicket.
In DC’s batting, Abhishek Porel (30), David Miller (19), and Kyle Jamieson (12) only managed to register double-digit scores, as the rest of the batting line-up failed to show any resistance against RCB’s bowling attack.
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Hemang Badani’s Old Video Goes Viral
As Hemang Badani was left facing heavy criticism following Delhi Capitals’ dismal batting display, an old video of him taking a dig at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach resurfaced on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), quickly going viral.
Two years ago, in an interview with Yo Mahesh, Badani took a potshot at Fleming, discrediting his achievements by claiming that CSK’s success was largely due to MS Dhoni rather than the coach’s influence.
“Stephen Fleming is being called a great coach, but he hasn’t won anywhere outside the IPL, not in SA20, The Hundred, Big Bash, or even as New Zealand’s assistant coach. If someone says he’s a great coach, I won’t agree.” Badani said.
“MS Dhoni is winning. He is creating a stir and is the kingpin of that team — the king. He knows how to handle players, bring out the best in them, and get the job done, whether by being strict or by speaking politely,” he added.
Stephen Fleming has been serving as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings since 2009, playing a key role in building one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, with five title-winning campaigns under his tenure alongside MS Dhoni.
Srikkanth Recalls Badani’s Dig
Hemang Badani’s old video of taking a dig at Stephen Fleming was recalled by former India opener and BCCI selector Kris Srikkanth, who slammed the DC coach for his earlier remarks and urged him to focus on his own team’s performance instead of commenting on others.
“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 on his YouTube channel.
“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,” he added.
After a defeat to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Delhi Capitals slipped to seventh spot on the points table with three wins and five losses, accumulating just six points and having an NRR of -1.060 after 8 matches.
The DC are currently in a situation where they must win at least five of their remaining matches to keep their playoff hopes alive in the IPL 2026.
Also Read: IPL 2026: DC Enter Unwanted Record Territory after Heavy Batting Collapse against RCB
