Delhi Capitals Revamp Top Order Ahead of IPL 2026, Coach Hemang Badani Backs New Strategy

New Delhi, March 2026 : Head coach Hemang Badani has expressed confidence that Delhi Capitals have finally addressed their long-standing top-order issues by recruiting fresh opening options ahead of the IPL 2026 season, which begins on March 28.

Delhi Capitals endured a difficult IPL 2025 campaign, particularly in the powerplay overs, where their batting struggled to gain momentum. The team recorded the second-lowest run rate and batting average during this phase, with opening partnerships emerging as a major concern. Their opening stands averaged just 21.8 runs — the lowest among all franchises — and they managed only two fifty-plus partnerships in 14 innings.

In an attempt to find the right combination, DC experimented with as many as seven different opening pairs last season. However, the constant chopping and changing failed to produce results, forcing the management to rethink its approach heading into IPL 2026. The focus has now shifted towards stability and consistency at the top of the order.

Addressing the media in a pre-season press conference, Badani made it clear that the franchise has taken concrete steps to resolve the issue. “The answer is straightforward — we needed to find players who can do the job. It didn’t work for us last year, which is why we tried multiple combinations. This time, we have gone back to Prithvi Shaw and also brought in Ben Duckett and Pathum Nissanka. The opening slot was a clear target area for us in the auction, and we believe we have addressed it effectively,” he said.

DC, under the leadership of Axar Patel, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1. The team management is hopeful that a settled opening combination will lay a strong foundation for the rest of the batting lineup.

Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao echoed Badani’s views, indicating that the team is open to trying new combinations but with a clearer strategy in place. “We will look at new opening options and aim for better consistency this season,” he said.

Badani also spoke about the rapid evolution of T20 cricket over the past year, noting that scoring patterns have shifted significantly. “A total of 180 is no longer safe in this format. Teams are consistently scoring 220, 240, even 250. We’ve seen this trend in recent tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The game is now driven by intent, especially in the powerplay overs,” he explained.

He added that modern T20 cricket demands aggressive stroke play from the top order, with teams prioritising boundary-hitting over merely rotating the strike. The introduction of innovations like the impact player rule in leagues like the IPL has further accelerated this transformation.

The evolution is not limited to batting alone. Badani highlighted a shift in bowling strategies as well. “Earlier, the focus was on bowling dot balls. Now, the emphasis is on minimising boundary balls. Even if you concede singles, it’s better than giving away multiple boundaries in an over. The mindset has changed,” he noted.

Reflecting on the team’s performance last season, Badani said the focus is not on dwelling on past failures but on building a stronger unit for the future. “We don’t need to keep reminding players of what went wrong. Everyone understands that we could have finished better. The idea is to focus on improvement — what each player can add to the team and how we can collectively cross the line this time,” he said.

He also underlined the importance of leadership stability, backing Axar Patel to continue as captain. Badani described Axar as a natural leader who understands the team’s culture and environment. “He has been with the franchise for a long time and connects well with the players, fans, and management. It was a straightforward decision to continue with him. He showed great promise as a young leader last season,” he added.

Another player generating interest is Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who is set for his maiden IPL stint after an impressive domestic season. Despite his ₹8.4 crore price tag, Badani dismissed concerns about pressure affecting his performance.

“I have been tracking him for over two years. What stands out is his consistency in line and length. He is not just a wicket-taker but someone who can control the game. His white-ball performances have gone under the radar because of his strong red-ball record,” Badani said.

He added that Auqib Nabi brings versatility to the bowling attack, capable of delivering in both the powerplay and death overs. While acknowledging that price tags can sometimes weigh on players, Badani expressed confidence that the youngster will handle expectations well.

As IPL 2026 approaches, Delhi Capitals appear determined to turn a new page. With a revamped top order, evolving strategies, and renewed focus, the franchise will be aiming to end its long wait for a maiden IPL title and emerge as strong contenders this season.