IPL 2026, PBKS vs DC: Coach Ian Bell rues Delhi Capitals’ ‘inconsistency’

DHARAMSHALA: Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell admitted the franchise has paid the price for inconsistency this season, but insisted the players remain motivated to finish strongly despite their playoff hopes being next to impossible.

Speaking in Dharamshala on the eve of DC’s IPL clash against Punjab Kings, Bell said the side had failed to seize key moments in tight games.

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“It’s (the 2026 season) been inconsistent,” Bell said. “You look at a few games where we have had our opportunities and, at this level against world-class players and teams, you have to take those moments. We probably haven’t done that ruthlessly enough.”

Bell stressed that consistency remains the biggest challenge for the side moving forward. “When you play in the IPL, you need to be consistent. We’ve been involved in a lot of games where we’ve lost those big moments. Those are the conversations we’ve been having within the group, and those are hard conversations,” he said.

With three league games remaining, Bell said the Capitals still have enough motivation to compete hard. “We’ve got three big games remaining... for the individuals as well as for the franchise. The expectation from both sides is to win the next three games. The players are proud to represent DC and will play everything for the badge and the fans.”

‘Tournament for us starts now’
Punjab Kings bowling coach James Hopes offered a pragmatic assessment of the team’s recent dip in form. After a blistering start to the IPL season, PBKS have hit a stumbling block with three consecutive losses, but Hopes remains unperturbed.

“It’s a little bit of a hiccup,” Hopes said of the consecutive losses to Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Any team that thinks they’re going to go through this tournament and just sail for two months all the way through and not lose a game of cricket is kidding themselves. Our tournament for us starts now.”

With Punjab eyeing a playoff spot, Hopes believes the team can quickly rediscover momentum by sharpening the finer aspects of their cricket.

“(Can get the campaign back on track) By doing all the little things right, like preparing the right way, getting our plans in place, the little extra efforts in the field, the extra efforts with the bat, being that little bit more selfless with the bat and ball. All those things add up across the season and help you come out on top in the end,” he said.