Delhi Capitals have named former England cricketer Ian Bell as their new assistant coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Bell, known for his successful playing career with England, will bring his vast experience to the team despite this being his first stint in the IPL. He retired from professional cricket in 2020 after representing England in various formats.
Ian Bell has transitioned into coaching post his playing days, working with England’s developmental teams and serving as Sri Lanka’s Test team batting coach during their 2024 England tour. He also briefly coached New Zealand’s men’s team before the 2023 ODI World Cup and was an assistant coach for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred men’s competition.
Joining Delhi Capitals, Bell will work under the leadership of Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, head coach Hemang Badani, and bowling coach Munaf Patel. His appointment comes after Australian coach Matthew Mott’s role as assistant coach in the previous season. The Capitals, who finished fifth in the IPL 2025 season, aim to benefit from Bell’s expertise and fresh perspective for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
