![KL Rahul and Hemang Badani in frame [Image Credits: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777528583213_KLRahulandHemangBadaniinframe.jpg?type=hq)
KL Rahul and Hemang Badani in frame [Image Credits: X]
In a recent development, a latent beef has erupted between the former and current head coach of the Delhi Capitals franchise. Kevin Pietersen was found supporting a heavy criticism of current DC head coach Hemang Badani on social media, which has now triggered dissatisfaction of the former England veteran for the new appointment.
Notably, in a social media post that shared Kris Srikkanth criticising Badani for his earlier criticism of Stephen Fleming, the head coach of Chennai Super Kings, was found to be liked by the England veteran Kevin Pietersen himself on the social media platform, Instagram.
How Kevin Pietersen Was Associated With The Delhi Capitals?
Pietersen enjoyed a long time with the Capitals for over a decade before stepping down as mentor in early 2026. Pietersen represented the Delhi Daredevils back in 2012–2014 and was also the team captain for the 2014 season in the IPL.
In 2025, Pietersen was appointed as a mentor, but he resigned later in March 2026, citing an inability to commit the required time to the role.
Currently, Hemang Badani is the head coach for Delhi Capitals, with Venugopal Rao as the director of cricket. Pietersen's stepping down and Badani's appointment were not anything controversial that came out in the front; however, the recent social media interaction from the England veteran has sparked speculations.
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Kris Srikkanth’s Comment On Badani-Fleming Fiasco
On a social media post by the Instagram handle sportstodayofficial, the criticism of Krishnamachari Srikkanth on Hemang Badani after Badani's comment on Stephen Fleming earlier in IPL 2026 was posted.
Badani attributed all of CSK's success to former skipper MS Dhoni while ridiculing Fleming's contribution to the team and also criticising him, saying that he isn't a good coach.
Replying to this earlier criticism, Delhi Capitals, who plunged to a very low total of 75 runs against RCB in their last encounter, saw Srikkanth heavily criticise the team again while taking a good dig at Badani.
"On top of all this, Hemang Badani went after Stephen Fleming. 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."
"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," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Pietersen Like Triggers Internal War And Dissatisfaction For Former Coach?
The post that garnered 1.2K likes on social media also saw several comments from cricket fans, and with Kevin Pietersen’s like on the post, it suggests that the England veteran supported the view of Srikkanth on Hemang Badani.
Now, although Badani and Pietersen do not have any open controversies or quarrels against each other, this like superficially triggers internal turmoil, which now even raises the question of whether Pietersen stepped down from the mentor role willingly or was forced to step down.
DC’s Campaign In IPL 2026 So Far
Nevertheless, the Delhi Capitals team in IPL 2026 has been on the receiving end with three back-to-back losses against SRH, PBKS, and RCB.
The Capitals languish in seventh position on the points table, winning only three matches out of eight. They are set to play against the Rajasthan Royals in their next encounter, which will be held in Jaipur on May 1, 2026.
Also Read- MS Dhoni Ruled Out Of Full IPL 2026? Report Claims CSK Stint Done And Dusted
