Ricky Ponting with IPL trophy. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)
Delhi Capitals parted ways with Ricky Ponting in July, ending a seven-year association after the Australian took charge in 2018. The franchise co-owner Parth Jindal confirmed that they are is interested in appointing an Indian coach, who would scout and develop local talents, something that Ponting wasn’t available for. The former cricketer echoed the same and stated that the Capitals wanted to head in a different direction and that he wasn’t the right fit.
However, the 49-year-old is eager to return to IPL in 2025. A lot of franchises are hunting for a new coach and Ponting might fit their system. Before being associated with the Capitals, he was in charge of the Mumbai Indians team, before Mahela Jayawardene replaced him.
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“I’d love to coach again in the IPL. I’ve had a great time every year that I’ve been involved, whether that was in the early days as a player or the couple of years I had at Mumbai as head coach there. And then I’ve had seven seasons at Delhi, which unfortunately didn’t really work out. I think me going there was all about trying to bring some silverware to the team and that didn’t happen,” Ponting said in the latest episode of the ICC Review.
“They made it pretty clear that they wanted to head in a different direction with someone that could give them a bit more time and a bit more availability through the off-season, really more than anything to be able to spend a bit more time in India with a lot of the local players. I just couldn’t do that with the other stuff that I’ve got going on. I think what you’ll find is that they’ll probably end up with an Indian-based head coach,” he added.
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Ponting also thanked DC for giving him the opportunity to work with the franchise and several great players throughout the years. He wished them well for the future and stated that he is available to coach an IPL team in the future.
“I wish them all the very best but as I said there could be a few opportunities for me popping up in the next couple of months and I’d love to be back coaching in the IPL again next season,” Ponting said.