Delhi Capitals Part Ways With Ricky Ponting As Head Coach Ahead Of IPL 2025
Mumbai: Delhi Capitals (DC) have announced their decision to part ways with head coach Ricky Ponting after a seven-year tenure, according to the Times of India (TOI). As the franchise gears up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, they are on the lookout for a new candidate to fill this significant role.
Ponting, who has been at the helm since 2017, saw the team finish sixth in the IPL 2024 season, which marked the return of captain Rishabh Pant following a long injury break. Despite Ponting’s efforts, the team has struggled to secure a championship win during his tenure, leading to the decision not to renew his contract.
Official Statement from Delhi Capitals
In a heartfelt statement, Delhi Capitals expressed their gratitude for Ponting’s contributions over the past seven years:
“Dear Ricky, as you move on as our Head Coach, we’re finding it incredibly hard to put this down in words. The four things you told us about in every huddle — care, commitment, attitude, and effort — sum up our seven summers together. Seven summers of you being hands-on, but also hands-off, so that we could become better.”
“As athletes, yes, but more importantly, as human beings. Seven summers of you reaching every training session first, and leaving last. Seven summers of you sprinting out of the dugout during strategic timeouts, and biting your nails off until there were none left.”
“Seven summers of your dressing room speeches – the speeches, Oh! (Separate post for that loading) Seven summers of your hugs, shoulder pats, and fist pump for us all – newcomer, superstar… and everyone in between. Thank you for everything, Coach! Like you often close out, Let’s leave this here mate, grab a drink, get back to work tomorrow, yeah?”
DC’s Performance Under Ponting
During Ponting’s tenure, DC reached the playoffs three times. They made it to the knockouts in 2019 and 2021 and finished as runners-up in 2020. However, the team has not made it to the playoffs in the past three seasons, maintaining a win-loss record of 7-7 each year.
A source close to the DC management revealed to PTI, “The top brass of Delhi Capitals have intimated to Ricky that they aren’t happy that the team didn’t win a championship in seven years and they are trying to look at rejigging the support staff. He won’t be continuing next year.”
Future Prospects
Team Director Sourav Ganguly and captain Rishabh Pant are expected to continue in their roles, though the franchise has not yet released an official statement regarding the duo. Ganguly could potentially take on additional coaching duties if necessary, while assistant coach Praveen Amre is set to remain with the team.
DC’s co-owners, JSW and GMR group, are scheduled to meet either at the end of this month or early next month to discuss the future direction of the team and finalize the new coaching staff.
As DC moves forward, the franchise will be keen to build on Ponting’s legacy and aim for that elusive IPL championship in the coming seasons.
Follow us on Twitter, Google News, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and exciting stories.
