Delhi Capitals appoint new coach ahead of IPL 2026 season

Ian Bell appointed DC assistant coach [Source: X]In the latest development, Delhi Capitals, the IPL franchise has roped in former England star, Ian Bell in their coaching setup for the 2026 season. Bell, has joined the franchise as an assistant coach, and will have a key role to play in shaping things up for the Capitals.DC finished fifth in the points tally last season, and a major reason why the squad missed out on a playoff berth was due to its batting collapses. To nullify that effect, the experienced Bell has been drafted into the coaching setup by the franchise.Bell joins coveted DC coaching teamThe announcement was made official by the Delhi Capitals on their social media handles as the team aims to win their maiden IPL title in the upcoming season.Delhi Capitals @DelhiCapitals The England great is now a Dilliwala 💙❤️ Welcome home, Ian Bell 🏡😌 Feb 10, 2026, 5:24 PM Matthew Mott is the current assistant coach for the Capitals, and there is no confirmation as to whether Bell will replace Mott or if the duo will work together for the 2026 season.The other coaching staff members in the Capitals team are - Hemang Badani (head coach), Munaf Patel (bowling coach), Venugopal Rao (Director of Cricket), Kevin Pietersen (team mentor).What Bell brings to the table for DCAn excellent, technically sound batter who was hailed as a genius in Test cricket, Bell brings stability to the Capitals squad, and his presence will bring in a calming presence in the team dressing room.Last season, the DC batters struggled at crucial junctures, and as a result, the team lost the plot and failed to qualify for the playoffs. With Bell appointed as the new assistant coach, he would improve the team’s batting, and the side might reap rewards in the upcoming season.Issues DC needs to resolve to win IPL 2026The team has a plethora of issues ahead of IPL 2026. The batting lineup led the team down, and a major reason for it was the woeful form of the DC openers.The team has a plethora of issues ahead of IPL 2026. The batting lineup led the team down, and a major reason for it was the woeful form of the DC openers. The team tried Faf du Plessis, and Jake Fraser-McGurk, and both players failed to deliver the goods.For the upcoming season, KL Rahul is likely to be promoted at the top, alongside one of Ben Duckett or Pathum Nissanka, and Bell’s job will be to get the best out of them.Also, the pace attack led the team down last season. Barring Mitch Starc, the Indian core failed and this is another issue the team needs to resolve.More than the batting, Bell’s work comes in from the psychological point of view. Last season, DC won their first four games, and the team was in a pole position to reach the knockouts. However, once the side started losing games, there was no comeback, as psychologically DC crumbled, and Bell will have a task of keeping the morale high in the dressing room.