Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell said Saturday that his side are still feeling the sting of “small margins” that kept them from securing a place among the leading two teams, despite an IPL campaign that swung between thrilling peaks and painful lows. DC take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their last league fixture on Sunday, but their slim chance of reaching the playoffs may already depend on what happens in other matches.
Bell’s comments came as Delhi’s position on the points table leaves the team vulnerable to results elsewhere. A Punjab Kings victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday would officially end DC’s qualification hopes. On Sunday, if Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians, it would also knock KKR out of contention.
Bell reflects on Delhi’s turning points
- Bell described DC’s season as one where inconsistency repeatedly interrupted momentum, leaving them short of the top-four finish.
- He pointed to the narrow one-run loss to Gujarat Titans, a match DC had been close to sealing after chasing a 211-run target.
- He also highlighted the defeat by Punjab Kings even after Delhi produced a season-best 264/2, only to watch PBKS complete a stunning chase that set a world record.
- Bell argued that these results illustrate how quickly a tournament can pivot when key moments are not seized, especially against strong opposition.
“Most teams outside the top four will probably say the same thing — consistency,” Bell said. “We’ve shown this season that we can score 265 (264/2) and then follow it up by getting bowled out for 70 (75). We scored 265 (264/2) and still couldn’t defend it. There were times when we were brilliant, and there were times when we simply weren’t good enough.”
Delhi currently sit eighth, having collected 12 points from 13 matches, and Bell stressed that the club’s path to the playoffs remains only a mathematical possibility.
According to Bell, the key issue was failing to take advantage of opportunities when they mattered most. “In the IPL, when opportunities come against good teams, you have to take them. I think that’s where we have to be honest with ourselves — we didn’t grab those key moments.”
He added: “We lost to Gujarat Titans off the last ball. Against Punjab, we made 265 and still lost. Turn those results around and, if we win tomorrow, suddenly we are on 18 points and talking about a top-two finish.”
Bell also spoke about what makes the league so demanding. “That’s why players and coaches want to be here — highest pressure, best players in the world, biggest fan base, best stadiums. But the margins are so small that you cannot afford to let moments slip.”
He pointed to the effect of those fine swings on the table. “At times we were guilty of not seeing games through. Two different results and we are comfortably in the top four. You have to be ruthless in these opportunities,” Bell said.
Ownership questions dismissed inside the dressing room
Bell rejected the idea that uncertainty around Delhi Capitals’ ownership structure has created any “insecurity” among the players. The franchise had earlier announced ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2025 that the GMR and JSW groups would take turns with operational control of the men’s and women’s teams in two-year cycles, with the current cycle ending after this season.
However, Bell insisted there has been no relevant discussion inside the team environment. “From a player or coaching staff point of view, we’ve only focused on trying to win games of cricket. Those ownership matters are outside our control and outside our jobs,” he said.
He added: “I haven’t heard it mentioned once in the playing group or among the staff. The team spirit has been excellent, the players have worked hard and looked after each other.”
Focus on pride and the KL Rahul impact
Despite the disappointment of an inconsistent campaign, Bell said the group can still take pride in their effort. “We can all look in the mirror and say we’ve given everything to the badge and the shirt. We’ve loved representing Delhi Capitals this season.”
He then looked ahead with optimism: “And hopefully, if it’s not this year, Delhi Capitals win it next year, regardless of who is making the decisions.”
Bell also offered strong praise for opener KL Rahul, noting that he has been appointed India’s Test vice-captain. He said Rahul’s approach with the bat has improved significantly during the IPL season, particularly in terms of strike-rate. “I think his strike rates have gone through the roof. He’s been awesome for us, as I said, on and off the field, absolutely fantastic.”
