Simon Hemlot appointed as Head Coach of Gulf Giants for upcoming ILT2…

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], May 15 (ANI): Adani Sportsline on Friday announced the appointment of veteran Australian cricket strategist Simon Helmot as Head Coach of Gulf Giants ahead of the upcoming season of the International League T20 (ILT20) later this year.

Helmot brings more than two decades of experience across domestic, international and franchise cricket, including assignments in some of the world’s leading T20 leagues. He has been associated with the Hyderabad side in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2013 and has contributed to multiple title-winning campaigns across leading T20 tournaments in Australia, the Caribbean and the UAE. amunra-online.pl

Over the years, he has earned a strong reputation for building high-performance team environments and maximising player potential in pressure situations, as per a press release.

Prior to this appointment, Helmot completed a five-season tenure with Melbourne Renegades, leading the team to its maiden Women’s Big Bash League title in 2024.

As part of his onboarding with Gulf Giants, Helmot recently met Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), in Ahmedabad to discuss the long-term vision for Gulf Giants and the franchise’s preparations for the upcoming ILT20 season.

Speaking on his appointment, Helmot said: “I am excited to join Gulf Giants and be part of the next phase of the franchise’s journey in the UAE ILT20. I look forward to working closely with the players and support staff as we build towards a successful season."

Pranav Adani said: “We are pleased to welcome Simon to Gulf Giants and the Adani Sportsline family. Simon brings deep experience across global franchise cricket, a strong understanding of the T20 ecosystem and a proven ability to build competitive, high-performing teams. His leadership approach and focus on player development align closely with our long-term vision for Gulf Giants, and we look forward to the upcoming season under his guidance."

Since its launch in 2023, the UAE ILT20 has quickly emerged as one of the world’s leading franchise T20 leagues, featuring top international players, coaches and franchises from major cricketing nations. Gulf Giants also thanked former Head Coach Jonathan Trott for his leadership and contribution during the previous season and wished him continued success for the future. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

After a horror show in IPL 2026 and several managerial failures, the Delhi Capitals are likely to make some wholesome changes in their coaching staff, while skipper Axar Patel's captaincy will also be in grave danger.

Several teams have been officially eliminated from the contest, as the Mumbai Indians and the Lucknow Super Giants are no longer in the race for the playoffs. It can also be said that the Delhi Capitals, who are now placed in the seventh spot in the points table, have only mathematical chances, with no real chances.

The Delhi Capitals, led by Axar Patel, have won five matches in a row after having played 12 matches this season and still have the chance to equal their points tally from last season by winning the rest of their games; however, it would not hand them a spot in the playoffs.

Key Points

• Axar Patel’s Delhi Capitals captaincy is reportedly under serious threat after IPL 2026 failures.
• Major changes are expected in the Delhi Capitals coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027.
• Reports claim DC management was unhappy with Axar Patel’s leadership and tactical decisions.
  

Axar Patel's captaincy in grave danger: Will the Indian all-rounder be retained by Delhi in 2027?

The reports from the PTI agency claimed that Axar Patel, the Delhi Capitals skipper, is not likely to retain his captaincy for the next season. The same report has also claimed that the coaching staff is likely to be changed after this season.

After being appointed the skipper of the side, Axar Patel's best season with the bat probably came back in 2025, where he amassed 263 runs across 12 matches but only managed to pick five wickets in the season. However, this season his form has been poor with the bat, and he has amassed only 100 runs and picked up 10 wickets with the ball.

However, several questions have been raised over Axar Patel's captaincy and his decision-making ability on the field. One of the major concerns has been Axar underbowling himself, as he has bowled just 36 overs across 12 games, despite having an economy of 8.08.

"With Axar completely failing to prove his leadership worth and mostly being dependent on Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao for decision-making, it will be a miracle if he retains captaincy next year," claimed the PTI report.

With a major shift in decision-making powers in the management, Axar Patel might be retained in the DC squad, but he is not likely to be captaining them any further.

Also Read: LSG vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- IPL 2026, Match 59

Delhi Capitals' change in power demands a massive shift in the coaching panel

Delhi Capitals have an equal split in ownership as well as duties performed. The two owners, JSW and GMR, have split management responsibilities in alternate cycles. The upcoming season will mark Parth Jindal and JSW taking charge of cricket operations.

The Delhi management has failed constantly over this season as the Capitals have failed to perform promisingly. Decision-making powers shift from GMR to JSW ahead of the 2027 season, and hence, they might want to make massive changes to the Delhi Capitals management.

"The entire coaching staff is also unlikely to be retained," an IPL source tracking developments told PTI on the conditions of anonymity.

Abhishek Porel to Prithvi Shaw: 5 players who were underused by DC

The Delhi Capitals have underused many of their star players, while having backed many players who have underperformed throughout the season. The Capitals have handed several chances to the likes of Sameer Rizvi and Nitish Rana, who have failed to perform.

However, Abhishek Porel, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter who was the Capitals' most promising Indian performer over the past two seasons, has failed to earn a spot for himself in the XI. He has just played a handful of games this season. Prithvi Shaw, on the other hand, has not been handed a single chance to play this season.

However, Madhav Tiwari was used too late this season, and so was Ashutosh Sharma, who was used much later in this season, which raised many eyebrows. Lastly, Vipraj Nigam was also underused despite his good season in 2025.

ALSO READ: "See that happening": Jasprit Bumrah drops a major HINT on possible ODI captaincy role after MI's win over PBKS

Rohit Sharma was at his witty best after MI`s thrilling win against the Punjab Kings. The former Mumbai Indian`s captain gave a hilarious speech after the win, trolling himself for his run-a-ball innings.

Chasing 201 runs for the win, MI got off to a flying start with Ryan Rickelton scoring a quickfire 48 runs in 23 balls. However, his partner Rohit Sharma was struggling for runs and failed to get going during his stay on the pitch.

Rohit scored 25 runs in 26 balls at a strike rate of 96 as his laboured innings eventually came to an end. Despite his two sixes, Rohit failed to get any momentum in the innings and struggled to time the ball. The match ended in relief, however, as MI got over the line thanks to a brilliant innings from Tilak Varma.

Addressing the team after the win, Rohit Sharma, in his typical witty way, talked about his innings and thanked his teammates for saving his blushes. He said he enjoyed his `Test cricket` during the match after facing 26 balls for 25 runs.

"Great win, it was a complete team effort with the bat. It was good to see everyone chip in while I was enjoying my bit of Test cricket." Rohit Sharma said.

Rick as always 🤩

A performance deserving of the recognition it received 👏

#PBKSvMI pic.twitter.com/Q78YOBtKNI

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 15, 2026

Rohit`s reaction got a laugh out of the players and management as MI look to end a disappointing campaign on a high note.

MI beat PBKS in Dharamsala

The Mumbai Indians defeated the Punjab Kings in a thriller to damage the home team`s qualification chances. Tilak Varma emerged as the star of the show for MI, scoring an unbeaten 75.

Chasing 201, MI got off to a flying start with Ryan Rickelton scoring a quickfire 48 runs, while his opening partner Rohit Sharma chipped in with 25 runs.

MI lost a flurry of wickets in the middle overs, but Tilak Varma scored a match-winning 75 to guide MI home. Will Jacks was at the crease with the southpaw as they guided MI home to give them their 4th win of the season.

Varma`s knock included six fours and six maximums as he timed his innings to perfection, accelerating in the death overs to take MI to 2 points.

Still in the hunt for a Playoffs berth despite an erratic campaign, Chennai Super Kings will look to continue their recent resilient run when they take on the already eliminated Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL match on Friday.

While CSK have managed to stay afloat with timely wins in the second half of the season, LSG’s campaign has unravelled due to a string of ordinary displays.

For CSK, the equation remains straightforward — win remaining matches and hope other results end up in their favour. CSK are currently placed fifth in the pecking order with six wins from 11 matches.

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant

Despite frequent criticism over their lack of finishing firepower, five-time champs CSK have shown fight through crucial contributions from Sanju Samson, Urvil Patel, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a few other emerging players.

Young batter Urvil’s fearless approach at the top has added much-needed momentum to CSK’s Powerplay scoring. On Friday, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma and Dewald Brevis will also have key roles to play in the middle overs on a surface expected to aid stroke-making.

The bowling unit, however, has received a big blow recently with all-rounder Jamie Overton ruled out of the remainder of the IPL due to a thigh injury.

Despite a campaign beset by injuries to important players, a disciplined, and varied attack, including Akeal Hosein, has helped the side register vital wins.

More often than not, Mukesh Choudhary and Anshul Kamboj have done the job expected of them and Afghanistan’s left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad has also been effective.

Lucknow, on the other hand, have little except pride to play for after failing to build any momentum through the season.

Captain Rishabh Pant’s prolonged poor form has hurt the side badly, while their bowling attack has struggled to defend totals or contain opposition batters in crucial phases, including in their first-leg game against CSK, when they failed to defend 203.

Four
No. of matches won by the team batting second in the last four games between LSG and CSK; both teams have won two each

3-3
CSK vs LSG’s head-to-head record, with one match washed out

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Left-handed batter Tilak Varma will lead India ‘A’ in the upcoming 50-over tri-series in Sri Lanka, with young batters Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Priyansh Arya among the notable inclusions in the squad announced by the senior men’s selection committee on Thursday.

The tri-series, scheduled to be held from June 9-21 in Dambulla, will also feature hosts Sri Lanka ‘A’, and Afghanistan ‘A’. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said India A is also slated to play two multi-day matches against Sri Lanka A in Galle, with the squad for the red-ball fixtures to be announced at a later date.

This is the first time explosive left-handed opener Sooryavanshi has been named in India ‘A’ setup, after making an unforgettable mark in every format and level he’s played so far. Earlier this year, Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament in India winning the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year.

In IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi has made 440 runs in 11 games for the Rajasthan Royals at a strike-rate of 236.56. Just like Sooryavanshi, Arya has been in explosive form for Punjab Kings by making 342 runs in ten games at a strike-rate of 226.49.

Tilak, meanwhile, has been actively leading India A for quite some time. He was named India A skipper for the ACC Men`s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup in October 2024 and held the same role during India A`s one-day series against South Africa A in November last year.

Riyan Parag has been named as the vice‑captain, while the squad also includes Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Harsh Dubey, and Vipraj Nigam. Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra have been named as wicketkeepers, while Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Anshul Kamboj, the third highest wicket-taker with 19 scalps, and Arshad Khan will handle the fast bowling department.

India ‘A’ will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka ‘A’ on June 9, followed by a clash against Afghanistan ‘A’ on June 11. The round‑robin stage continues until June 19, with the final scheduled to be played on June 21.

India A squad:
Tilak Varma (captain), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (vice-captain), Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Harsh Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Kumar Kushagra (wk), Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Anshul Kamboj, and Arshad Khan.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever