Delhi Capitals on Saturday parted ways with head coach Ricky Ponting after seven unsuccessful years in their quest for elusive IPL silverware, the franchise announced on social media. While it's still early days, there's every chance that Sourav Ganguly, DC's current team director, could also take over as head coach next season. “As you move on as our head coach, we find it incredibly difficult to put it into words. The four things you told us in every huddle – care, dedication, attitude and effort, sum up our seven years together,” DC posted on their official 'X' account. While the franchise was eloquent about their long association with the Australian in the emotional post, it is learnt that Ponting was told in no uncertain terms that his performance was not to the management's liking after seven years – unheard of at franchise level without results.
Ponting, a two-time world champion captain of Australia, joined the team in 2018 and although the team reached its first final in 2021, performances in subsequent years have failed to live up to that early promise.
“The Delhi Capitals management has informed Ricky that they are not happy with the team not winning a championship in seven years and are trying to restructure the support staff. He will not continue next year,” a source close to DC management told PTI on condition of anonymity.
It seems those in charge wanted Ponting to be more involved in the auction process and team building, rather than just a few weeks before the start of the IPL.
Thanks, Ricky!photo.twitter.com/D6gt7UbLpW
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) July 13, 2024
It remains to be seen whether DC will appoint a new head coach or ask Ganguly to take up the role of gaffer. Praveen Amre, the hardworking assistant coach, will remain.
DC's co-owners – JSW and GMR Group – are expected to hold a meeting later this month or early next month to discuss the way forward.
Player retention is another issue that will be up for debate. If the number of players remains at four, DC will have to let go of either Australian Jake-Fraser McGurk or South African Tristan Stubbs, with only one overseas spot available.
As far as the Indian core is concerned, the choices for retention are quite simple with captain Rishabh Pant, all-rounder Axar Patel and wrister Kuldeep Yadav topping the list.
A mega auction is planned ahead of the IPL 2025 and chances are that a few retained stars from each franchise will want to participate in the auction to see what their true market value is.
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