Former England cricketer Ian Bell has described his experience with the Indian Premier League (IPL) as “a rollercoaster,” while admitting that joining the league as a coach has fulfilled a long-standing professional ambition. Now serving as assistant coach for the Delhi Capitals in the 2026 season, Bell said the IPL remains the most sought-after cricketing platform in the world for both players and coaches.

Bell, who retired from professional cricket in 2020 after a career spanning over 13,000 international runs, said he always wanted to be part of the IPL ecosystem. Although he never featured in the league as a player, he has now entered it through coaching. He credited his growing association with the GMR Group and its franchise teams, including Dubai Capitals and Seattle Orcas, for helping him build connections that eventually led to his role with Delhi Capitals.

Reflecting on his early days in the IPL setup, Bell said the intensity and atmosphere of the tournament are difficult to fully understand until experienced firsthand in India. He described the league as emotionally charged and highly competitive, noting that matches can swing dramatically within a short span. He also stressed the importance of maintaining composure as part of the coaching staff, ensuring decisions remain clear and not driven by emotion during high-pressure situations.

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Bell also spoke about working closely with modern players, particularly Indian batter KL Rahul, who has been one of Delhi Capitals’ standout performers in the 2026 season. Rahul has scored 445 runs so far and has been among the top contenders for the Orange Cap. Bell praised Rahul’s ability to adapt his game, especially his shift towards a more aggressive approach in the powerplay while still relying on classical stroke play.

Highlighting Rahul’s evolution, Bell noted that the batter has managed to maintain his natural elegance while increasing his strike rate significantly. He described Rahul as an “intelligent player” who continues to refine his game despite years of experience in the IPL. Bell said this adaptability makes Rahul a strong role model for younger players in the squad, especially in a format that demands constant innovation and flexibility.

Looking back on his playing career, Bell said he has no regrets about not featuring in the IPL as a player, despite his early ambitions. However, he admitted that sharing the dressing room with legendary Indian cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar or Rahul Dravid for even a couple of months would have been a “golden” experience. For Bell, his current coaching journey in the IPL has finally given him a chance to be part of the league he long admired from afar.

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