Ian Bell calls his IPL 2026 coaching experience a 'rollercoaster' with more downs than ups but remains passionate about the league.
Ian Bell describes his IPL 2026 coaching experience as a 'rollercoaster,' noting it has had more downs than ups so far. He emphasizes the need for the coaching staff to remain composed and unemotional, whether in the dugout or during reviews. Bell highlights the high emotions involved but insists clarity and objectivity must guide decisions. Despite the challenges, he points to several thrilling matches as highlights of the season.
Though best remembered for his stylish Test cover drive, Ian Bell now stands in an IPL dugout as an assistant coach. Over the last five years, he has built an unconventional coaching resume that includes roles with Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England Lions, and Derbyshire, as well as multiple franchise leagues. His association with GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals, began in the ILT20 and continued into Major League Cricket before strengthening ties with Venugopal Rao and Hemang Badani.
Bell clarifies that he underwent a full interview process for his Delhi assistant coach role, which replaced Matthew Mott. His prior involvement with GMR’s other teams made the transition feel natural. He calls the IPL the top league he wanted to experience after retiring. Bell labels the experience as 'incredible' and notes the intense scrutiny mirrors international cricket standards.
Bell stresses that the level of interest and scrutiny in the IPL closely matches that of international cricket. He explains that experiencing the IPL atmosphere in India firsthand is essential to understanding its magnitude. According to Bell, the league’s allure is evident, making it clear why players and coaches aspire to participate. He says, 'You can see why every player and coach wants to be here, really.'
Bell has enjoyed collaborating with KL Rahul, Delhi Capitals’ leading run-scorer. He recalls when Rahul’s anchoring style seemed outdated amid the Impact Player rule’s scoring surge. This season, Rahul has transformed his T20 approach, achieving a strike rate above 180. Bell praises Rahul’s adaptation while maintaining his signature batting style, calling it a strong example for the team.
Bell discusses the modern emphasis on high strike rates, citing Sunrisers Hyderabad’s aggressive approach. He notes that Delhi Capitals aim to dominate powerplays and adopt an assertive strategy. Bell highlights Rahul’s recent 152 not out innings as evidence of balancing aggression with traditional cricket shots. He adds, 'For a guy who has played [so much] and done so well in the IPL to keep adapting, keep looking to get better, is a great role model for the rest of our squad.'
Bell admires the new generation of Indian batters such as Abhishek Sharma, Priyansh Arya, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who have scored at strike rates above 200 this season. He argues that intelligent players like Rahul and Virat Kohli still have value in the IPL. Bell cites Punjab Kings’ recent loss to Gujarat Titans on a tricky pitch as evidence that adaptability matters. He says, 'You still need those players… If they're chasing 240-plus, they have to be able to go.'
Bell recalls a time when scoring 50 in the powerplay was considered good, but that benchmark has shifted dramatically in the IPL. He prefers the term 'intelligent players' over 'anchor' to describe batters who read the game well. Bell places KL Rahul in this category, praising his ability to adapt to different match situations. He states, 'You want intelligent cricketers that can read the situation.'
Despite being a stylish batter in his prime, Bell rarely had T20 opportunities due to his focus on Test cricket. He occasionally entered IPL auctions but never received a bid, noting, 'I don't have any regrets about missing anything out in my career, but I would've certainly loved to have been part of a team.' The ECB’s early reluctance to allow England players to participate further limited his chances.
The ECB’s initial distrust of the IPL affected Bell’s prospects, as partial availability rules forced him to return for England’s Test summer. The board’s stance has since relaxed, though debates continue. Bell acknowledges the arguments from figures like Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen. He has discussed these issues with Jacob Bethell, whom he has coached in the Hundred and seen develop through the Warwickshire academy.