Hemang Badani to Lead Southern Brave in The Hundred 2026, Ian Bell Named Assistant

A fresh coaching combination is set to take charge at Southern Brave ahead of the 2026 season of The Hundred. The franchise has handed the head coach role to former India international Hemang Badani, while former England star Ian Bell will serve as his assistant. The partnership is not entirely new, as both are also expected to work together with Delhi Capitals during the upcoming Indian Premier League season, strengthening the growing connection between the two teams.

Badani has been leading Delhi Capitals since before the 2025 IPL campaign. His side started that season in impressive fashion and quickly emerged as one of the teams to watch. However, momentum slipped in the latter half of the tournament and the Capitals ultimately missed out on the playoffs. Despite that late dip, the franchise remains confident in Badani's ideas and leadership.

The new Southern Brave coach has built a coaching résumé that stretches across several global franchise leagues. He has previously been involved with the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket and the Dubai Capitals in the International League T20, gaining valuable experience in different conditions and competitions.

This appointment also reflects deeper ownership links. GMR, the co-owner of Delhi Capitals, acquired a 49 percent stake in Southern Brave in 2024, creating a pathway for closer collaboration between the franchises. The shared coaching set-up is the latest step in aligning strategies on and off the field.

Bell's presence adds a strong local dimension to the coaching staff. The former England batter has worked closely with developing talent through England's Under-19 and Lions programmes. He also spent time as batting coach for the Sri Lanka national cricket team during their 2024 tour of England, bringing valuable international experience to the role.

Southern Brave have already built a reputation as one of the competitive sides in The Hundred. The team lifted the title in 2021 and reached the final again in 2024. With Badani's franchise-league experience and Bell's understanding of English conditions, the Brave will be hoping this new coaching duo can spark another exciting title challenge in 2026.