Last Updated: April 30, 2026 03:44 PM
A war of words erupted between IPL coaches during the 2026 season unexpectedly. One head coach’s controversial comments sparked massive backlash across cricket circles. Former cricketers are now publicly calling out unprofessional behavior from the dugout.
What Did Hemang Badani Say About Stephen Fleming?
Hemang Badani sparked this entire controversy by publicly attacking CSK’s coaching credentials. He claimed Chennai’s 5 IPL titles came solely because of MS Dhoni. Stephen Fleming’s coaching role got completely dismissed in those hated remarks shockingly.
“If Fleming is such a big coach, why hasn’t he won anywhere else apart from the IPL?” Badani had said in the past, pointing to Fleming’s stints in the SA20, The Hundred, and the Big Bash League.”
CSK is winning because of Dhoni. Dhoni is the kingpin… if someone says Fleming is a good coach, I won’t agree to it.”
That statement immediately drew anger from cricket experts and fans everywhere. Badani basically suggested Fleming contributed nothing to CSK’s championship successes. Such comments are rarely heard in professional coaching circles at this level.
Kris Srikkanth Blasts Hemang Badani Publicly
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth responded furiously on his YouTube channel. He blasted Badani for lacking any significant achievements as a coach. Srikkanth advised him to “oil his own machine” instead of criticizing others.
The former opener said Badani “spoke too much” and should “shut up now.” That hated language showed how seriously Srikkanth took these unprofessional comments. Professional conduct matters in cricket, especially from head coaches representing franchises.
“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.
Social media erupted with quotes from Srikkanth’s video going viral instantly. Delhi Capitals’ coaching staff faced questions about allowing such public controversies. Badani’s credibility took a massive hit from this backlash.
Kevin Pietersen’s Silent But Powerful Support
Kevin Pietersen was DC’s mentor last season before leaving the franchise. He’s currently in India doing commentary work for IPL coverage. KP publicly liked a social media post featuring Srikkanth’s criticism surprisingly.
That simple statement spoke volumes about Pietersen’s opinion on Badani’s comments. Former DC member essentially endorsed the criticism against current leadership. The hatred of Badani’s remarks clearly extends beyond just Srikkanth.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals sit 7th on the points table currently struggling. DC won only 1 from their last 5 matches under him. They have 6 points from 8 games with just 3 wins. Inconsistency and tactical errors plague DC throughout IPL matches.
Perhaps Hemang Badani should focus on improving the team’s performance instead of attacking others.
