Madhav Tiwari credits Ian Bell's counsel after all-round show in DC's Dharamshala win
Synopsis
Uncapped allrounder Madhav Tiwari proved the difference-maker as Delhi Capitals edged Punjab Kings in Dharamshala, staying alive in the tournament. His 2-40 and explosive 18* off 8 in the chase, guided by batting coach Ian Bell's simple philosophy—"don't do something fancy"—showcased why depth matters in T20. For DC, it was survival; for Tiwari, a career-defining moment.
Key Takeaways
Madhav Tiwari took 2 for 40 in his maiden IPL outing, dismissing Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly .
Tiwari remained unbeaten on 18 off 8 balls (2 fours, 1 six) during DC 's chase in Dharamshala on 12 May .
Delhi Capitals achieved the highest successful T20 chase by any team in Dharamshala .
Batting coach Ian Bell advised Tiwari to avoid complexity: "Just hold your shape and react to the ball." The win ended DC 's losing streak and prevented their elimination from the tournament.
Madhav Tiwari, the uncapped allrounder, delivered a crucial all-round performance as Delhi Capitals defeated Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on 12 May, keeping their tournament campaign alive. The DC victory ended a sequence of back-to-back losses and averted elimination, with Tiwari contributing both with the ball and the bat in the chase.
Bowling Impact
Tiwari took 2 for 40 with the ball, claiming his maiden IPL wicket when Priyansh Arya was caught at deep point. He then dismissed Cooper Connolly with a slower bouncer. His disciplined bowling in the middle overs set the platform for DC's chase.
Batting Contribution at Crunch Time
Arriving at the crease during a critical phase of the chase, Tiwari remained unbeaten on 18 off 8 balls, striking two fours and a six. His aggressive yet calculated hitting helped DC complete the highest successful T20 chase by any team in Dharamshala.
Ian Bell's Mentorship
Crediting DC's batting coach Ian Bell, Tiwari revealed the guidance that shaped his approach at the crease. "You've got the power, you got everything. Just don't try to look to do something fancy. Just hold your shape and react to the ball," Bell told him. The advice underscored simplicity over complexity — a philosophy that proved effective in the high-pressure situation.
Preparation and Self-Belief
Tiwari acknowledged the role of DC's coaching staff in his preparation. Working extensively with Munaf Patel, the bowling coach, on his pace bowling and with Bell on range-hitting, Tiwari described himself as equally committed to both disciplines. "I would like to say I'm 100% bowler, 100% batsman," he stated, reflecting his dual-skill mindset.
Tournament Context
The win proved pivotal for DC's survival prospects. A defeat would have made them the third team to be eliminated in the season. The victory reignited their challenge and demonstrated the value of depth in the squad, with uncapped players stepping up when required.
Point of View
A team that had been bleeding momentum, the uncapped allrounder's willingness to contribute with both disciplines—and his receptiveness to coaching input—may have salvaged their campaign. Ian Bell's counsel to "not do something fancy" is a counterpoint to the modern T20 tendency to over-complicate batting. Simplicity, executed under pressure, often wins.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Madhav Tiwari and what did he do in the Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings match?
Madhav Tiwari is an uncapped allrounder who made an impact in his IPL debut on 12 May in Dharamshala. He took 2 for 40 with the ball, claiming his maiden IPL wicket, and scored an unbeaten 18 off 8 balls in the chase, helping Delhi Capitals win.
What was Ian Bell's advice to Madhav Tiwari?
Batting coach Ian Bell told Tiwari: "You've got the power, you got everything. Just don't try to look to do something fancy. Just hold your shape and react to the ball." The guidance emphasised simplicity and shape over aggressive improvisation.
Why was Delhi Capitals' win against Punjab Kings crucial?
The victory ended Delhi Capitals' sequence of back-to-back losses and prevented their elimination from the tournament. A defeat would have made them the third team to be eliminated in the season.
What was special about Delhi Capitals' chase in Dharamshala?
Delhi Capitals achieved the highest successful T20 chase by any team in Dharamshala, with Madhav Tiwari's unbeaten 18 off 8 proving instrumental in the final stages of the chase.
