The Hundred was once pitched as England’s answer to franchise cricket with a different format, different vibe, and different identity. Four years later, it feels more like an extension of the IPL’s expanding universe. The latest sign is that Hemang Badani, Delhi Capitals’ head coach, is set to take charge of Southern Brave’s men’s side for the 2026 season.
Since October 2025, four of the eight Hundred teams have come under operational control of IPL-linked owners. Oval Invincibles are now MI London under Mumbai Indians’ Reliance Group. Northern Superchargers have become Sunrisers Leeds. Manchester Originals are rebranded Manchester Super Giants under RPSG Group (LSG). Southern Brave, backed by the GMR Group, co-owners of Delhi Capitals, have retained their name but not their independence.
And the structural change doesn’t stop at ownership. For 2026, The Hundred is abandoning its draft system and moving to a full-fledged IPL-style auction on March 11 and 12.
Hemang Badani not new to coach in overseas leagues
Badani’s appointment fits into GMR’s strategy. The former India middle-order batter, who played 40 ODIs and scored a memorable 100 against Australia in Pune in 2001, has quietly built a serious coaching résumé.
He took over Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2025 season after Ricky Ponting’s exit and has been involved with GMR-backed franchises in Major League Cricket and the ILT20, where Dubai Capitals finished runners-up in 2024. Back home, he has led Chepauk Super Gillies to four TNPL titles. He had a brilliant start at IPL 2025 only to see his side falter at the backend. Now, he had a superb IPL 2026 mini auction, racking up smart buys of David Miller and Ben Duckett. DC fans would hope for a better season this time around under Badani.
Southern Brave have already secured Jofra Archer (£400,000), Jamie Smith (£300,000), Marcus Stoinis (£150,000) and Tristan Stubbs (£100,000) ahead of the auction. Now, Badani will help shape the rest of the squad two weeks before the IPL 2026 commences.
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