Former India spinner and now renowned expert Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of the under-fire DC coach Hemang Badani after the Capitals have shown signs of inconsistency in the recent past. Ravichandran Ashwin has urged people to be patient with him. The Delhi Capitals (DC), who started the IPL 2026 with aplomb, have found themselves sliding down the competitive table on the back of a string of defeats in recent games, highlighted by their recent capitulation against holders RCB in New Delhi.
DC, who lost a high-scoring game against PBKS due to a couple of dropped catches, folded for 75 against RCB in a humiliating showing. Amidst the chaos, DC coach Hemang Badani has been receiving some stick online for the slump in the team’s fortunes. However, former DC star Ravichandran Ashwin backed the coach, urging fans to give the former player some time at the helm.
Ravichandran Ashwin opines on Hemang Badani
Speaking on his own YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “IPL is a beast of a tournament, with international players coming in, Indians from all across the country come in. The coach will need time to know how to get the best of them and what they respond to.”Â
Ravichandran Ashwin recalled, “The very same Hemang Badani, who sent Sameer Rizvi up the order, and it clicked, we were all full of praise for him.Â
Ravichandran Ashwin added, “But when it doesn’t work out, he is subject to backlash. But he isn’t the reason for it. He sends in his boys; he might have made some mistake, so has Axar Patel, and everybody does.”Â
Ravichandran Ashwin further added, “My view is Badani is new to IPL coaching, and he deserves time. I know why he is getting all that backlash, but it is fine, we all make mistakes.”Â
Ashwin was referring to Badani’s misstep in criticising Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming for his record outside the set-up of the five-time champions. Delhi stands at 7th in the league table after the conclusion of 8 games with 6 points to their name as they have managed just 3 wins thus far in the money-rich T20 franchise league.
DC in Must-Win Territory
The Delhi Capitals have reached a stage where they are in must-win territory. Since the top 4 are running away with it, it is imperative for someone like DC to make a move from tonight. They have the team and quality to do so on paper, and now they will have to prove it on the field. Consistency is the thing they lack, and the chances of collapsing in the season become a problem all the time. Now, they have to practically win all the games to go upwards in the points table.
But things won’t be easy for them as they face an explosive RR side in Jaipur. RR looks stronger and more explosive on paper, while the bowling looks strong as well. RR have their issues with the middle order as well if they want to do well this season. So, we are expecting a good contest. Blaming coaches is never the ideal thing to do and something that should be refrained from. But he has to take moral responsibility and be quiet about other coaches going around.
The stage is set for the match tonight. Lots of player battles to look forward to. DC will be bolstered by the return of Mitchell Starc, who will be facing off against teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. That battle will be something to look out for in this match. Yashasvi Jaiswal could be the key as well for the RR outfit.
Also Read: RR vs DC: 3 Reasons For RR’s Unimaginable Defeat Against DC