The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just being a cash-rich league, where players earn a bag full of money in just a single night. It provides a platform to the young players to share the dressing room with some of the legends of this game and have a closer look at their game. Also, IPL helps in developing a bond among the international players, who represent different countries. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers is a perfect example of the same.
Now, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting thanked IPL, which helped him to be friends with veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. Both players had their share of heated moments against each other on the cricket field. ‘Monkeygate’ controversy is one forgettable chapter between the India-Australia rivalries. Ponting was the leader of the Australian pack while Harbhajan was surrounded by allegations from Aussie players for making some racial comments.
Also Read: Ricky Ponting backs Aaron Finch to lead Australia at the WC
Meanwhile, the past has gone long and now Ponting admitted him never thought he would be friends with Harbhajan Singh. The Aussie cricketer said that the IPL has been able to break many barriers in the last few years between countries as well as the coaches.
“That’s a good part of the IPL, a lot of barriers are broken down between countries and coaches. I’d never have thought that Harbhajan and I could be good mates,” he said.
The Delhi Capitals head coach Ponting will work closely with Sourav Ganguly, who was announced to be the adviser of the franchise. Former Aussie veteran mentioned he shares a great bond with Ganguly and they often talk with each other since their retirements.
Also Read: Delhi Capitals announces Sourav Ganguly as their advisor
“Sourav (Ganguly) and I have always got along just fine. We have great respect for one another. We’ve actually interacted a lot since we’ve been retired. We’ve been on cricket committees together and spent a bit of time talking,” Punter told Cricbuzz.
“He will be an advisor. He might not have anything to do with us on game day but he will be around the team, around meetings. I’m very, very open to that. He’s been a great leader and player and he’s got great ideas around the game.”
Delhi Capitals will play their opening game of the season against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 25.
