New Delhi: Delhi Capitals have strengthened their coaching setup ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with the appointment of former England batter Ian Bell as assistant coach.
The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media handles on Tuesday. Bell, regarded as one of England’s finest batters of his era, joins the IPL franchise despite having no prior association with the tournament. The right-handed batter enjoyed a distinguished international career, featuring in 118 Test matches, 161 One-Day Internationals, and eight T20 Internationals before calling time on his playing days in 2020. This marks his maiden assignment with any IPL team.
Since hanging up his boots, Bell has accumulated valuable coaching credentials across multiple platforms. He has been actively involved with England’s Lions and Under-19 squads, playing a key role in nurturing talent through the national cricket structure. His recent assignment saw him work as batting coach for Sri Lanka’s Test team during their England tour in 2024, adding to his international coaching portfolio.
Bell’s coaching journey has also included a brief stint with New Zealand’s men’s team during their England tour prior to the 2023 ODI World Cup. In domestic franchise cricket, he has held the position of assistant coach with Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred competition.
At Delhi Capitals, Bell will work alongside Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, head coach Hemang Badani, and bowling coach Munaf Patel. His appointment represents a shift in the support staff composition, with Australian coach Matthew Mott having occupied the assistant coach position during the 2025 season.
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