Why Karun Nair is a happy headache for Delhi Capitals’ coach

Dubai: From the commentary box to the dugout, Hemang Badani has embraced a new challenge — and conquered it. In just his second season as head coach, the former Indian all-rounder led the Dubai Capitals to their maiden DP World ILT20 title, proving his tactical acumen on the big stage. But with success comes expectation, and as he now shifts focus to the IPL, the question looms — can he replicate the magic with Delhi Capitals?

Badani’s journey from player to coach has been swift, but his impact has been undeniable. On Sunday, he guided the Dubai Capitals to a thrilling victory over the Desert Vipers in the DP World ILT20 final, securing the franchise’s first title. The win cemented his credentials as a coach, but it also brought added pressure — his next challenge is the Indian Premier League, where the expectations are even higher. With the same ownership backing both teams, Badani, 48, now faces the task of delivering success for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024.

With a formidable squad at his disposal, Badani might be tempted to replicate his UAE success formula in the IPL. However, the dynamics of the world’s biggest T20 league differ vastly, with Indian domestic players playing a crucial role. Fortunately for Delhi Capitals, Karun Nair’s recent resurgence could prove invaluable.

“Karun is a fabulous player. He’s eager to get massive runs this season — five centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and another in the current Ranji Trophy against Tamil Nadu. It’s a happy headache to have,” Badani told Gulf News with a smile, before analysing his squad.

“I saw him in the Karnataka Premier League and noticed a second wind to his game. He looked exciting, hungry, and had expanded his shot-making. With his experience and drive, he was an obvious pick for us.

“KL Rahul is a rock for us — he consistently scores 500-plus runs a season and provides the stability we need. Around him, we have aggressive strikers like Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Harry Brook, and Ashutosh Sharma, who can take the game away in minutes. And if we need to consolidate, Axar Patel can steady the ship. It’s a great mix of experience and youth and aggression and balance.”

Despite expectations from the GMR Group ownership, Badani remains unfazed. His philosophy remains simple — create a winning environment and let players thrive.

“As a player, I gave my best, and as a coach, I do the same. My job is to build a system where players feel comfortable, play their natural game, and prepare well. That’s what worked in Dubai, and I aim to bring the same approach to Delhi Capitals.”

Interestingly, coaching wasn’t always in his plans. “My transition into coaching happened purely by accident. I was more of a commentator and got a chance to coach in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. At first, I didn’t think I had the temperament — I wasn’t patient enough. But over time, I adapted, learnt the skills, and developed the right mindset. Coaching is more about player management — understanding how to handle senior players differently from younger ones. I’m still learning,” he admitted.

Badani’s rapid success in the ILT20 has set expectations sky-high, but the IPL is a different beast. Can he adjust to its high-pressure environment and deliver silverware for Delhi Capitals? His track record suggests he’s up for the challenge.

For now, he remains focused on the fundamentals — building a team, fostering confidence, and letting results take care of themselves. If his ILT20 triumph is anything to go by, Delhi fans have plenty to be optimistic about.