Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell lavished praise on KL Rahul ahead of their IPL 2026 play-off push, saying the senior batter has transformed his T20 strike-rate through deliberate hard work and thoroughly deserves his return as India's Test vice-captain. Bell made the remarks at a pre-match press conference in Kolkata on 23 May.

Rahul's Numbers Do the Talking

Rahul is Delhi Capitals' leading run-scorer this season, having accumulated 533 runs across 13 games at an average of 44.42 and a strike-rate of 171.93. Bell pushed back firmly against any lingering criticism of Rahul's tempo in white-ball cricket. 'I disagree with that comment. You look at his strike rates this year — he's put in a real shift,' Bell said, adding that Rahul is 'guaranteed to get another 500-run season.'

Vice-Captaincy Return and Dressing-Room Value

Rahul recently replaced Rishabh Pant as India's vice-captain in Tests for the one-off match against Afghanistan, scheduled for 6 June in New Chandigarh. Bell said the appointment was well merited. 'Firstly, it's great to see him become vice-captain again for India,' he said. Beyond the runs, Bell highlighted Rahul's character: 'Take away the batting — as a human being, the way he speaks to the younger players, the way he holds himself, the way he trains is first class.'

Bell on India's Young Talent Pipeline

The former England batter-turned-coach also reflected on the depth of Indian cricket talent flowing through the Delhi Capitals setup. 'It's been great to see the amount of young talent coming through and dominating the style of play,' Bell said, noting the fearless brand of cricket played by top-order batters. He added that many nations around the world are 'jealous of the quality and talent coming through in this country,' and called the IPL 'a great platform for young Indian players.'

Mitchell Starc's Impact on the Attack

Bell also addressed the role of Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, describing him as a transformative presence. 'No doubt when Mitchell Starc arrived, it certainly helped us — just having somebody bowling at 140-plus. That does make any bowling attack slightly different,' Bell said. He praised Starc's training ethic and willingness to share knowledge with younger squad members, drawing a direct parallel with Rahul's leadership by example. 'The way he trains is a great role model for all our young players to watch, as KL is,' Bell concluded.

With the play-off spots still in contention, Delhi Capitals will look to Rahul's form and Starc's firepower to carry them through the business end of IPL 2026.