Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell has admitted that batting inconsistency has derailed the team’s IPL 2026 campaign and called on the lineup to step up around in-form opener KL Rahul. With the playoff race tightening, Bell stressed that DC’s inability to build stable batting partnerships has left them short in key moments.
The Capitals are currently languishing in eighth place with 10 points from 12 matches, leaving them with little margin for error in their remaining fixtures.
“When you look at the top four teams at the moment, there is a lot of consistency in the batting line up. I think over a period of time now, not having that stability in the batting line up is something we are obviously working towards,” Bell said ahead of DC’s match against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 17.
“KL has again had a fantastic year. He has increased his strike rate, which is what a lot of people asked him to do. But we need other people to step up as well and be more consistent. I don’t think anyone quite yet has made himself undroppable by performance, and I think that’s important as well,” he added.
Bell also pointed to the stark inconsistency in DC’s performances, highlighting how the side has swung between extremes in the same season. “We have to accept, and it has been a crazy season, the fact that we scored 265 here and then followed that up by getting bowled out for 70. You can’t win competitions if you’re that inconsistent,” he said.
While DC’s aggressive batting approach has produced big scores, Bell admitted that adaptability has been lacking in conditions that require different skills.
“Plan A is to be ultra aggressive. But we’ve also seen here in Delhi where the wicket can be a little bit different and you’ve got to use different skills. You’re not going to win T20 cricket anymore by playing safe and building a foundation. But I think the best teams can adapt. That’s where we have to be better,” he said.
DC’S INCONSSISTENCY UNDER SPORTLIGHT
Beyond the batting concerns, Bell also addressed the form of skipper Axar Patel, who has struggled to make a consistent impact this season. The former England batter emphasised the importance of backing the all-rounder through a difficult phase.
“I think it has been really important to support him and get around him. It’s not easy. He’s an important player not just for this franchise, but for India as well in T20 cricket. He’s obviously disappointed more than probably anyone else,” Bell said. “Hopefully, he can finish on a real high. We know what he can do at his best and we have got to keep supporting him through that,” he added.
With just two league matches remaining, Delhi Capitals now face a must-win scenario to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Their campaign has been defined by extreme fluctuations in batting performance, swinging from record-breaking totals to dramatic collapses within days.
Despite KL Rahul’s strong form, the lack of consistent support from the middle order has left DC struggling to convert promising starts into match-winning totals. As the tournament reaches its business end, Bell’s message is clear — individual brilliance alone will not be enough without collective stability.
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