The Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise is set for a coaching shake-up as Sourav Ganguly, the team’s Director of Cricket, announced that Ricky Ponting will not be continuing as head coach beyond the 2024 season.
A disappointing stint for Ponting with DC!
Ponting, a legendary Australian figure, joined DC as head coach in 2018. While his tenure saw glimpses of brilliance, like reaching the finals in 2020, the overall record hasn’t been impressive. Since 2022, DC has failed to qualify for the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
As per a TOI journalist, Ponting’s contract as the Capitals’ head coach is about to expire. However, he hasn’t been officially ruled out of the franchise yet. Regardless, Sourav Ganguly has dropped a bombshell, lashing out an overt attack at the Aussie legend.
Ganguly vs Ponting!
In a candid interview with Bengali newspaper Aajkal, Ganguly confirmed Ponting’s departure. He cited the lack of results in the past seven years as the primary reason for the decision. Taking a proactive approach, Ganguly revealed his plans for the future. He intends to personally assume the role of head coach while advocating for the inclusion of Indian personnel in the coaching staff.
“I have to plan for next year’s IPL,” Ganguly stated. “I want to win the IPL for Delhi Capitals once. The mega auction is next year, and hence I have started planning from now on. Let me break a news – Ricky Ponting will not be the coach of Delhi Capitals. Geoffery Boycott was right, as Ponting has not been able to take the franchise forward in the past 7 years. I have to speak with the franchise and ask them to look at Indian coaches. I will be the head coach. Let’s see how I perform.“
This move comes amidst growing criticism of Ponting’s tenure. While a legendary batsman himself, Ponting’s coaching stint with DC hasn’t yielded the desired results. Ganguly’s decision to step in as head coach, while unexpected, injects a new chapter into the Delhi Capitals’ story.