The IPL has a habit of bringing old words back at the worst time-and Hemang Badani is now learning that the hard way, as a 2025 interview resurfaces for the Delhi Capitals head coach.
Following Delhi’s humiliating nine-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday, former India captain Kris Srikkanth launched a blistering attack on Badani. Srikkanth’s fury wasn’t just directed at the scoreboard, but at what he perceived as Badani’s past arrogance regarding the coaching credentials of Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming.RCB vs DC: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
The root of the friction lies in comments Badani made during an interview with former cricketer Yo Mahesh. At the time, Badani had questioned whether Fleming was truly a “great” coach, suggesting his success was entirely tethered to MS Dhoni.
“If Fleming is such a big coach, why hasn’t he won anywhere else apart from the IPL?” Badani had asked, pointing to Fleming’s stints in the SA20, The Hundred, and the Big Bash League. He went as far as to say, “CSK are winning because of Dhoni. Dhoni is the kingpin… if someone says Fleming is a good coach, I won’t agree to it.”
SRIKKANTH BLASTS BADANI
With Delhi Capitals currently languishing in 7th place with just three wins from eight games, Srikkanth didn’t hold back. Reminding Badani of his past remarks, Srikkanth suggested that the DC coach should focus on his own sinking ship before critiquing others.
“On top of all this, Hemang Badani went after Stephen Fleming,” Srikkanth fumed.
“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 continued the onslaught, questioning Badani’s own tactical acumen.
“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.”
A HORROR NIGHT AT KOTLA
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 where they conceded the highest successful chase in IPL history-the Capitals’ confidence appeared completely shattered.
Facing RCB at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi were blown away for a measly 75 – their third-lowest total in IPL history. At one point, the scoreboard read a surreal 9 for 6, threatening the lowest total in the league’s existence. Only a gritty 30 from Abishek Porel saved them from absolute ignominy before RCB chased the target in a mere 6.3 overs.
Beyond the scoreline, Srikkanth took aim at the management’s decision-making. The Capitals dropped Pathum Nissanka to hand a debut to 18-year-old Sahil Parikh, a move that backfired when Parikh was sent out to take strike first-up against Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s world-class swing.
“Why allow Sahil to take strike ahead of KL Rahul?” Srikkanth questioned, noting that more experienced options like Prithvi Shaw were left on the sidelines.
For Delhi, the sense of dj vu is palpable. Last season, the team collapsed after winning four of their first five matches, eventually 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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