Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 campaign hit another low on May 5, as their head coach Hemang Badani found himself at the centre of heavy criticism following a second successive defeat to Chennai Super Kings. The loss not only dented DC’s playoff hopes but also reignited an old controversy that quickly went viral on social media.
Chennai completed a convincing season double over Delhi, powered by standout performances from Sanju Samson. After his stunning unbeaten 115 in Chennai earlier in the season, Samson once again proved decisive with a composed 87* on a challenging Delhi surface. His consistency against DC became a major talking point, but it was Badani’s past remarks that stole the spotlight after the game.
Fans resurfaced a 2024 video in which Badani had openly criticised CSK head coach Stephen Fleming. In that clip, Badani questioned Fleming’s credentials, arguing that his success was limited to the IPL and largely driven by MS Dhoni’s presence rather than tactical brilliance. He had gone as far as suggesting that CSK’s achievements were more about Dhoni’s leadership than coaching influence.
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Following CSK’s dominant performances this season, those comments came back to haunt him. Social media was flooded with reactions from fans, many of whom mocked Badani’s earlier statements and pointed to DC’s struggles under his watch.
Hemang Badani (DC Coach):
I won’t agree if someone says Fleming is a great coach. What has he achieved as a coach in Big Bash, MLC, SA20 or Hundred? Everyone knows that whatever CSK achieved in IPL is because of Dhoni. He’s the kingpin of that franchise pic.twitter.com/aBLYQEEfSn
— Ne𝟘n (@7_MSDthala) March 31, 2026
The criticism wasn’t limited to fans alone. Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth also weighed in, delivering a blunt assessment of the situation. He suggested that Badani focus on improving Delhi’s performance rather than questioning others, adding that such outspoken remarks often backfire in professional sport.
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On the field, the Delhi Capitals continue to face serious challenges. With just seven points from 10 matches, they remain stuck in the lower half of the table. Their home form has been particularly concerning, with four defeats in five games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
As the tournament enters its crucial phase, DC not only need results but also stability within the setup. For Hemang Badani, the focus will now shift from off-field noise to finding answers on the field—something Delhi desperately need to keep their season alive.
Show me the WORST COACH than this.👎
But for this fraud I will not deactivate my account.AK UNFILTERED🗣️
Watching Delhi Capitals under Hemang Badani is a masterclass in how to ruin a perfectly good squad. He looks absolutely clueless in the dugout – no strategy, no presence,… pic.twitter.com/y4lQjgPfbv— AkCricTalks🎤🇮🇳 (@AKCricTalks) May 5, 2026
Man 1st sack this clueless coach Hemang Badani, I don’t know when level of IPL fell so bad that people like Hemang Badani became coach here?
& why Delhi Capitals gave CSK a very CSK coded pitch? Why would you help your opponents in winning? This is just some next level…
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) May 5, 2026
Meet Hemang Badani:
> An irrelevant guy, never played cricket but coaches an IPL team.
> Won one or two trophies outside IPL and DC made him their head coach.
> Always poor in decision making, sends Karun Nair in place of Sameer Rizwi in a spin friendly pitch.
> Experienced… pic.twitter.com/YVyX8NV39x
— Ishan Ghosh¹⁷🇮🇳 (@PantVerse) May 5, 2026
