Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain and currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals termed the franchise’s new recruit Ravichandran Ashwin as one of the most successful spinners ever in the history of IPL.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ricky Ponting met for the first time in Dubai since the Ricky Ponting famously decided to warn Ravichandran Ashwin against ‘Mankading’ a dismissal he affected by running out non-striker Jos Buttler who was out of his crease.
Ricky Ponting Says Ravichandran Ashwin Is One Of The Most Successful Spinners In IPL History After ‘Mankading’ Comments
Ravichandran Ashwin had done so in KingsXI Punjab colours against Rajasthan Royals in 2019 but was traded to Delhi Capitals in 2020. The incident, as well as the remark, created controversies and commentators, as well as experts, were divided on their opinion to support Ravichandran Ashwin or not.
“Ashwin has been one of the most successful spinners in IPL history.” Ricky Pointing was quoted as saying by Delhi Capitals website.
Ravichandran Ashwin was traded in the Delhi Capitals squad from Kings XI Punjab franchise which was captained by him in the previous two seasons.
Ricky Ponting Expects both Ravi Ashwin And Ajinkya Rahane To Add Experience
Apart from him another high-profile recruit for the Delhi Capitals this year is Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane who was traded in from Rajasthan Royals. The former Australian great said the duo will add a lot of experience to the squad.
“Both of them are class players, and have been long-term Indian players. Rahane has led Rajasthan for a long time as well. We all know how important experience is in T20 cricket, and we understand that. We’ve got a young captain in Shreyas, but to have those older, more experienced minds on the ground will help us a lot,” said Ponting.
Shreyas Iyer who captained Delhi Capitals from 2018 after Gautam Gambhir relinquished his post will give his best in order to see Delhi Capitals win their maiden IPL title.
Speaking about his first net session with the DC players, Ponting said: “The attitude from the start has been amazing, and today was no exception. It was hot and quite draining for the players but I was delighted to see that and it felt awesome to be back in the team environment, and I think there’s no better place than to be in the Delhi Capitals camp at the moment,” said the Head Coach.
Weather conditions will be a challenge this season for franchises, which Ricky Ponting said can be overcome by managing training sessions better.
“We’ve got a smaller squad so I want to sort of manage our training sessions differently than we did last year.It is an unusual time we have got – having three weeks – I think we had slotted in about 20 training sessions before our first game” added the 45-year-old.
Commenting on how he intends to maintain the positive team environment from last season, Ponting said he wants his players to remember why they were successful last season.
“Last year, I had as much fun as I’ve ever had with a cricket team, and I want to make sure we can replicate that this season as well. I’ll be banking on the guys we still have from last year – it’s important for them to remember the positives.” said the veteran.
“With all the protocols involved, the teams that manage themselves the best throughout the tournament, I think will go a long way.” added Ponting who will be leading the Delhi Capitals into his third season as their Head Coach.
Ricky Ponting played in IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders initially but later shifted to Mumbai Indians and then gave up captaincy to become a mentor.