The Delhi Capitals have officially bolstered their backroom staff for the 2026 IPL season, confirming the appointment of former England batting mainstay Ian Bell as their new assistant coach. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a significant move for the franchise as they look to turn their recent “near-misses” into a championship-winning campaign.
Bell, 43, arrives at a crucial juncture for the Capitals. The team endured a heartbreaking end to their 2025 season, finishing in fifth place and missing the playoffs by a solitary point. By bringing in a technician of Bell’s caliber, the DC management is clearly signaling a focus on batting refinement and tactical depth.
A Star-Studded Coaching Room at Delhi Capitals
Ian Bell won’t be lacking for familiar faces or elite company in the dugout. He joins a revamped coaching structure designed to bring the best out of a talented roster. Bell will work directly under head coach Hemang Badani and alongside fellow assistant Matthew Mott.
Perhaps most interestingly, the move reunites Bell with his former England teammate Kevin Pietersen, who serves as the team mentor. The staff is rounded out by Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao and bowling coach Munaf Patel, creating a diverse blend of international experience and local IPL expertise. This “brain trust” is tasked with breaking the Capitals’ title drought and ensuring they don’t leave their playoff qualification to chance this time around.
From Elegant Run-Maker to Elite Tactical Coach
For fans of the game, Bell needs little introduction. A veteran of 118 Tests and 161 ODIs, he was the heartbeat of England’s batting order for over a decade. With 7,727 Test runs—including 22 centuries—Bell was famously regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing and technically sound batters of his generation.
Since hanging up his boots, Bell has been meticulously building a reputation as a high-level coach. He has previously mentored England’s junior and age-group sides and served as a batting consultant for Sri Lanka during their 2024 tour of England. His CV also includes stints with the New Zealand men’s team and a successful run as assistant coach for the Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred.
By bringing Bell into the fold, the Delhi Capitals are gaining a coach who understands the pressure of the big stage and possesses the technical eye to help their young Indian core find consistency in the high-octane environment of the IPL.
