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IPL 2026: Great To See Rahul Become Vice-captain Again, Has Put In Real Shift Around T20 Strike Rate, Says Bell

Assistant Coach Ian Bell: Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell hailed KL Rahuls influence on and off the field, adding that he was delighted to see him become the vice-captain of the Indian Test team again and that his efforts to bring a real shift in his T20 strike-rate have paid off. Rahul is DCs leading run-getter with 533 runs in 13 games at an average of 44.42 and a strike-rate of 171.93. Recently, Rahul replaced Rishabh Pant as Indias vice-captain in Tests for the one-off game against Afghanistan, to be played in New Chandigarh on June 6. Firstly, its great to see him become vice-captain again for India. I think the hard work hes put in through this. I disagree with that comment. I think you look at his strike rates this year, hes put in a real shift. Youre absolutely right in saying that hes a massively important player for us and for India as well. Hes brilliant in the dressing room. Take away the batting, as a human being, the way he speaks to the younger players, the way he is, the way he holds himself, the way he trains is first class. I think his strike rates have gone through the roof, and hes guaranteed to get another 500-run season. Hes been awesome for us, on and off the field, absolutely fantastic, said Bell in the pre-match press conference. Bell also praised the depth of Indian talent in the DC set-up. Its been great to see the amount of young talent coming through and dominating the style of play. Certainly, the modern-day player now, especially the guys at the top of the order, the fearless brand of cricket they play. As a franchise, weve tried to give opportunities to young players as well. Obviously, were here to win, as every team is, but its great to see the amount of talent in India and whats coming through. I know for a fact a lot of other countries around the world are jealous of the quality and talent coming through in this country. The IPL is a great platform for young Indian players, and its an exciting future ahead, certainly in white-ball cricket. On Mitchell Starcs role within the squad, Bell explained that hes a great role model in the team, just like how Rahul is. No doubt when Mitchell Starc arrived, it certainly helped us just having somebody bowling at 140-plus. I think that does make any bowling attack slightly different, and that was a big impact for us. It would have been nice to have him from the first game, but the guys have trained hard and worked hard on their skills, whether its with the new ball or yorkers. Theyve been prepared, but we know its a ruthless tournament. If you get it wrong, you go. On Mitchell Starcs role within the squad, Bell explained that hes a great role model in the team, just like how Rahul is. No doubt when Mitchell Starc arrived, it certainly helped us just having somebody bowling at 140-plus. I think that does make any bowling attack slightly different, and that was a big impact for us. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The way he trains, I dont know if anyone watched him bowl last night, but he was at full tilt, running in, and it was a test for all our batters. As a coach, you want training to be a real challenge and played at a really high standard. I thought the way he trains is a great role model for all our young players to watch, as KL is, he concluded. Article Source: IANS