Kris Srikkanth criticised Hemang Badani over his old remarks on MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming (Credit: PTI) Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani is now learning the hard way that the IPL has a tendency to bring old comments back at the worst time, as his 2025 interview has resurfaced. After Delhi's crushing nine-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday, Badani was the target of a scathing criticism from former India captain Kris Srikkanth, who was angry not only at the scoreboard but also at what he saw as Badani's past arrogance about Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming's coaching qualifications. Badani's remarks in an interview with former cricket player Yo Mahesh are the source of the conflict. Badani had questioned Fleming's status as a 'great' coach at the time, implying that MS Dhoni was solely responsible for his success. Badani has questioned, citing Fleming's experiences in the SA20, The Hundred, and the Big Bash League, "If Fleming is such a big coach, why hasn't he won anywhere else apart from the IPL?" He even went so far as to claim, "CSK are winning because of Dhoni. Dhoni is the kingpin... if someone says Fleming is a good coach, I won't agree to it. Srikkanth did not hold back, even though the Delhi Capitals are now in seventh place with just three victories from eight games. Srikkanth reminded Badani of his previous comments and advised the DC coach to concentrate on his own failing ship before criticising others. "On top of all this, Hemang Badani went after Stephen Fleming," Srikkanth fumed. "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." Srikkanth continued the criticism, casting doubt on Badani's own strategic judgment. "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." One of the worst periods in Delhi's batting history fell at the same time as the verbal volley. The Capitals' confidence was utterly destroyed just days after they scored an incredible 264 in a losing match against Punjab Kings, in which they gave up the greatest successful chase in IPL history. Delhi was thrashed for a pitiful 75, their third-lowest total in IPL history, when they faced RCB at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The scoreboard once displayed an absurd 9 for 6, which threatened to be the lowest total in the history of the league. Before RCB chased the goal in only 6.3 overs, only a gritty 30 from Abishek Porel rescued them from complete humiliation. Srikkanth criticised the management's decision-making in addition to the score. In order to give 18-year-old Sahil Parikh's debut, the Capitals dropped Pathum Nissanka. However, this decision backfired when Parikh was sent out to take strike first-up against Bhuvneshwar Kumar's elite swing. "Why allow Sahil to take strike ahead of KL Rahul?" Srikkanth questioned, highlighting that more seasoned options like Prithvi Shaw were left on the bench. After winning four of their first five games the previous season, the club faltered and missed the playoffs. The Capitals are in a familiar situation with three straight losses and a coach under scrutiny. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, IPL 2026, IPL Points Table, and around the Sports. Nikhil is an accomplished sports journalist with extensive experience spanning several years across digital, and multimedia platforms. Currently contr... View More