Delhi Capitals (DC) is having a difficult time in the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they lost seven out of their 11 games in the ongoing tournament and are currently at the bottom of the table. It is noteworthy that the awful run for DC has come despite having legendary cricketers like Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly in their support staff. The same duo previously worked together for the franchise in 2019, where the Delhi-based team finished on the third spot. However, this time the team is facing a challenge to even qualify for the playoffs.
Although DC may not be performing well this year, the team’s head coach Ponting has expressed his admiration for working with the franchise’s Director of Cricket, Ganguly, whom he has also competed against in international cricket on many occasions.
Speaking on the ‘Delhi Capitals Podcast’, Ponting said he did not share as strong of a rivalry with Ganguly as his fellow Australian captain Steve Waugh did. Ponting further added that he and the veteran Indian cricketer have now become friends as they both have a common goal of improving and advancing the franchise.
“When you talk about rivalry, he was a bigger rival to Steve Waugh when he was the captain. They had a bit more edge than Sourav and I. We did play a lot against each other, we captained in the World Cup final against each other. But he was involved with DC back in 2019 when things really started to change. He went to the biggest seat in the last couple of years, and now he’s back with us,” said Ponting.
“We get on really well because we can see the bigger picture for this franchise, and what we have to do together to guarantee success for DC. Regardless of if we’re not good mates, when you’re working in a team , you got to come together and focus on one direction. Leave the past behind, whatever’s happened has happened,” he added.