IPL 2023: DC vs KKR – After five consecutive defeats (6 across seasons), the axe is set to fall on Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting. David Warner-led side is staring at an early exit if they lose to Kolkata Knight Riders at home on Thursday. If that happens, DC are likely to part ways with Ponting at the end of the season. But he won’t be alone. DC will have a much leaner coaching staff next season. For the time being, David Warner will continue to lead the side but against KKR, Prithvi Shaw is set to be axed after a poor run of form. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
DC have already lost five games on the trot. If they lose to Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday at home, they will be the first team to be out of playoff contention with half a dozen defeats.
“Obviously, nothing will happen mid-season. But the poor results for two successive seasons will have its share of repercussions when JSW and GMR, the two co-owners sit back and take stock of the season. So you will certainly not have this jumbo coaching staff next season for sure. There will be a few heads that might roll,” an IPL source tracking the franchise told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
In fact, the men who matter in DC franchise have already understood that the aim for this season is to salvage pride and finish on a respectable note. But other than a miracle, it looks unlikely. DC have been thrashed in all five games so far. Hence, DC’s 7-man coaching staff will bear the burnt first.
Delhi Capitals coaching staff
- Sourav Ganguly: Director of Cricket
- Ricky Ponting: Head coach
- James Hopes: Assistant coach
- Ajit Agarkar: Assistant coach
- Shane Watson: Assistant coach
- Pravin Amre: Assistant coach
- Biju George: Assistant coach
Former Indian batter Virender Sehwag was also vocal about Ponting’s position. He put the blame directly on Ponting for the string of poor results.
“When a team loses, the coaches are credited, so when the team loses, they should be held responsible. Even, we said so many times that Ponting has done a brilliant job, taking them to the finals. They now reach the playoffs almost every year now. He took all those credits. Now he has to take this one as well,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
DC Results in IPL 2023:
- Lost to Lucknow Super Giants by 50 runs
- Lost to Gujarat Titans by 6 wickets
- Lost to Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs
- Lost to Mumbai Indians by 6 wickets
- Lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by 23 runs
“The big responsibility is man-management and giving the players that confidence, but in the end, a coach looks good only when the team performs well, which Delhi hasn’t done at all. I feel Delhi has reached that point where they are confused about what they should do to change their fortune,” Sehwag added.
Prithvi Shaw to face AXE:
While Delhi Capitals coaching staff have a lot to think about, the team composition is all set to undergo a revamp. Starting from the top, Prithvi Shaw is set to be dropped after managing just 34 runs in 5 games including two ducks. With the overseas player rule and not many options on the bench, Sarfaraz Khan is set to get the nod in the opening.
However, he will have to tackle the pace of Lockie Fergusen in the powerplay. Sarfaraz has struggled against the express pace and it will be another big test for him after losing the keeper’s spot to Abhishek Porel after just one match.
The other one to be dropped is Mitchell Marsh. DC were highly dependent on all-rounder Mitchell Marsh after a highly successful ODI series versus India, but form has deserted him. Rilee Rossouw or Rovman Powell might replace him in the playing XI for the next game on April 20.
– With inputs from PTI
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