IPL 2018: Mark Butcher Credits Ricky Ponting for Jason Roy’s Return to Form

Delhi Daredevils won their first match of the 11^th edition of the Indian Premier League when they defeated Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

The majority of the credit for this victory must be given to the England opener, Jason Roy.

Roy scored an unbeaten 91 from just 53 deliveries in the last ball thriller.

Roy guided the Delhi based team to victory on the last ball to earn Delhi Daredevils their first win in three matches.

The opening batsman, Roy received appreciation from some of the former cricketers after his whirlwind innings.

Former England batsman, Mark Butcher stated the innings as a ‘class innings’ and also credited his former counterpart, Ricky Ponting who he feels influenced Roy’s batting.

Ponting is currently the head coach of Delhi Daredevils, and his coaching abilities have already been praised all over the world after Australia’s improved performances in the T20I format.

However, Butcher believes it was Ponting’s stern words during the first timeout in the run chase seemed to have a positive influence on Roy’s batting.

“It was such a class innings. Particularly because he was there at the very end, something he has been criticised for not doing before. He played brilliantly, absolutely superbly. The way he closed the game out, the maturity he showed going through the gears, were all great signs.

“It looks like Ponting has had a real influence on him. The rocket he gave him during the first team timeout was extraordinary to see, for a guy playing as well as he was. It was almost like he’d played awfully, the way Ricky was on him.”

Roy and Ponting have played with each other at Surrey during Ponting’s last year in 2013, and Butcher believes the previous stint together seems to have helped build a relationship between the two.

“Quite often, with these different coaches around the world, there isn’t that relationship – the coaches and the players are always trying to feel each other out, find out what makes them tick. Ponting, in this case, looks to have an idea on how to get the best out of Roy, because he’s played with him at Surrey, knows his makeup – he stays on top of him, he doesn’t allow him to think too much for himself.”

“He’s in there, saying, ‘Come on, you’re a fantastic player, but I’m not going to let you slip here. I’m going to stay in your head and make sure you’re focused on the job. Don’t you give this away now’? That was sensational, and Roy responded brilliantly to that.”

Delhi will next play Kolkata Knight Riders who have lost their last two matches on Monday at the Eden Gardens.