Delhi Capitals are gearing up for IPL 2026 with a high-profile addition to their backroom team: ex-England star Ian Bell as assistant coach. The news broke on the franchise’s X handle on Tuesday, accompanied by Bell’s image and the welcoming words, ‘England’s great batsman is now a Delhiite. Welcome home, Ian Bell.’
Known for his elegant strokeplay, Bell has transitioned seamlessly into coaching. He has worked with England’s development squads, including the Lions and U19s, honing skills of emerging talents. His recent role as Sri Lanka’s batting coach on their 2024 England tour added international pedigree to his resume. Brief engagements with New Zealand Cricket and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred further showcase his versatility.
Under cricket director Venu Gopal Rao, Bell slots into a talented staff alongside head coach Hemang Badani and pace maestro Munaf Patel. This synergy promises innovative strategies for DC’s campaign.
Bell’s playing stats are legendary: 118 Tests yielded 7,727 runs at an average elegance, with 22 hundreds including a masterful 235*. In 161 ODIs, 5,416 runs came from 4 centuries and 35 fifties, peaking at 141. T20Is featured 188 runs in 8 outings, with a gritty 60*.
As IPL evolves, Bell’s arrival could be the game-changer Delhi Capitals need, blending his classical technique with modern T20 demands to unlock the franchise’s potential.