Dharamshala: Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell has acknowledged that his franchise has paid for inconsistency during the 2026 IPL campaign, but he believes the group still has plenty of drive to close out the league phase with purpose. Speaking in Dharamshala ahead of DC’s match against Punjab Kings, Bell said the team’s biggest issue has been failing to seize decisive moments in closely contested fixtures—an area that becomes especially unforgiving at this level against elite opponents.
“It’s been inconsistent,” Bell said. “You look at a few games where we’ve had opportunities, and at this level against world-class players and teams, you have to take those moments. We probably haven’t been ruthless enough in that regard.” Bell’s message was clear: while the Capitals may have created chances, the execution when games tighten is what has repeatedly separated winning sides from the rest.
The assistant coach added that the IPL demands a level of steadiness that cannot be replaced by isolated good spells. “When you play in the IPL, you need to be consistent. We’ve been part of matches where we’ve let those big moments slip,” Bell said. “Those are the conversations we’ve been having inside the group, and they’re not easy conversations.”
With only three league encounters left, Bell suggested the situation is still not beyond repair—at least in terms of effort and intent. “We’ve got three big games remaining… for both the individuals and the franchise. The expectation from both sides is to win the next three games,” he said. “The players are proud to represent DC and they will play everything for the badge and the supporters.”
Punjab Kings bowling coach James Hopes, meanwhile, offered a grounded view of PBKS’s recent form. After a strong start to the season, Punjab have stumbled into a run that includes three successive defeats, but Hopes insisted the team is not panicking and does not see the setback as something that fundamentally changes their mindset.
Hopes described the sequence of losses to Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad as a temporary wobble. “It’s a little bit of a hiccup,” he said. “Any team that thinks they’re going to go through this tournament and just cruise for two months without losing a game of cricket is kidding themselves. Our tournament for us starts now.”
With a playoff place still in their sights, Hopes argued that Punjab can restore momentum quickly by tightening the details of their preparation and execution. “By doing all the little things right—like preparing the right way, getting our plans in place, putting in the extra efforts in the field, the extra efforts with the bat, and being a little more selfless with the bat and ball—those things add up over a season and help you come out on top in the end,” he said.
