In July 2024, Delhi Capitals and coach Ricky Ponting decided to part ways after a seven-year partnership that began when the Australian cricket legend took the reins in 2018. That, according to the franchise’s co-owner, Parth Jindal, was done to have an Indian coach who can focus more on the areas of scouting and development as far as local talent goes—a task that Ponting, due to other commitments, couldn’t do full justice to.
Reflecting on the breakup, Ponting says that the Capitals wanted to go another way, admitting maybe he wasn’t the right fit with their evolving needs. Despite that, 49-year-old Ponting continues to eye a return to the IPL in 2025. Several franchises would certainly be looking for new leadership, and his abundance of experience and success makes him a strong candidate.
Prior to his assignment with Delhi Capitals, he was the head coach of Mumbai Indians, where he played an influential role before being replaced by Mahela Jayawardene. Speaking at an open conversation in the latest episode of ICC Review, Ponting said he is excited about coaching in the IPL once again.
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“I’d love to coach again in the IPL,” Ricky Ponting said. “I’ve had a great time every year that I’ve been involved, whether that was in the early days as a player or the years I spent as head coach at Mumbai Indians. I had some good times at Delhi, despite it not working out as was hoped, in terms of silverware.”
Ricky Ponting remains open for the head-coach role in IPL 2025.#RickyPonting #IPL #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/IWF7RazN4Q
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) August 9, 2024
Ponting said on the decision of the Capitals, “They just made it pretty clear they wanted to head in a different direction. They wanted someone who could commit to being available more throughout the off-season and particularly to do some work with the local players. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that; I’ve got too much going on. I think they’ll probably end up with an Indian-based head coach, which will probably make sense for what they want.”
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He took the time to thank the Delhi Capitals for the opportunity to work with such a great franchise over the years and so many exceptional players. Ponting wished the franchise all the best for the future, but reiterated that he still harbors ambitions to coach in the IPL in the future.
“I wish them all the very best, but as I said, there could be a few opportunities for me popping up in the next couple of months. I’d love to be back coaching in the IPL again next season,” he concluded.
