The recent shift in the franchise’s fortunes is largely attributable to Ponting. The previous Australia skipper assumed control over a fair side who were battling to come to the end of the season games and changed them into veritable title competitors.
Since taking over DC in 2018, Ponting has led the team to great heights, including their first appearance in the final in 2020. DC has also qualified for the playoffs three times in a row under his leadership.
The past season was a little cruel on them, taking into account the late appearances and wounds, DC barely passed up a season finisher spot. Given that the team will be without their captain, Rishabh Pant, Ponting will likely play a significant role this time around.
DC has benefited greatly from the Australian’s dynamic personality thus far, and his strategies have also produced results over time. The Capitals are in for a crucial season as Director of Cricket with Sourav Ganguly by his side, which hopefully will end their quest for a first title.
In light of this, the following are three reasons why the Delhi Capitals IPL 2023 season will feature a significant role for Ricky Ponting.
#1 Australian think tank led by David Warner
In the absence of Rishabh Pant, DC will be led by veteran batter David Warner. The franchise should be encouraged by the exceptional record of the opening batter while leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the past.
However, for a captain to be effective, he must collaborate effectively with the head coach. Given that both candidates are Australian, the integration process will undoubtedly be seamless in this scenario.
They will undoubtedly produce some magic on the field thanks to their typical Australian attitude of constant winning. How well Warner and Ponting collaborate will play a significant role in determining DC’s fate in IPL 2023.
Since he left SRH in 2021 and Cricket Australia (CA) did not lift his leadership ban, Warner has not led the team in a traditional sense in a long time.
Despite the fact that Pant was a young captain, he was always available to assist Pant. Being a senior part, he was likewise seen having steady discussions with the bowlers, which Ponting should have earnestly empowered.
#2 Ricky Ponting is responsible for a lot of talented but unknown Indian players
Over the years, he has helped a lot of Indian kids grow up. whether he played for the Mumbai Indians (MI) or is currently living in Delhi.
At the moment, the DC team includes a number of exciting Indian names as well as regular international and Indian players. Rishabh Pant has already developed a special bond with the head coach, and whenever an opportunity arises, the coach praises him highly.
In addition to the captain, a number of talented players are at a turning point in their careers. Ponting must maximize the potential of candidates such as Prithvi Shaw, Chetan Sakariya, Sarfaraz Khan, and Yash Dhull, which is a huge responsibility.
He has already said that the next one will be Shaw’s biggest. The youngster has not been able to secure a spot in the national team, but he has been successful in the IPL for a number of years and has undoubtedly piqued Ponting’s interest.
Sarfaraz Khan, then again, is near the precarious edge of a lady public call-up. Despite the difference in format, a strong IPL 2023 season, during which he is their primary wicket-keeper option in the absence of Pant, will almost certainly result in appearances.
#3 Maintain cohesiveness in the absence of Pant
In addition to his cricketing acumen, Ricky Ponting is unquestionably an essential component of the Delhi setup. When DC’s head coach was away from the team midway through the 2022 season, they were a little bit in disarray.
Now that Rishabh Pant isn’t there, Ponting’s presence is even more important. The wicketkeeper, as a few have previously referenced, is an indispensable competitor. Considering that DC are set to get back to the famous Arun Jaitley Arena following four years, his presence as a neighborhood player would have been a gigantic lift.
The lead trainer should supervise the new administration, coordinate new players who have joined after the IPL 2023 small closeout, and manage misfortunes like Shardul Thakur in an enormous journey for the title.
In other words, in IPL 2023, he will be the center of DC, and everything will revolve around him.