Delhi Capitals have parted ways with Ricky Ponting as their head coach and will be on the lookout for a new candidate to fill in the massive hole before Indian Premier League 2025, according to the Times of India (TOI).
Ponting had been the coach of DC for the last 7 years. DC had finished sixth in IPL 2024 after Rishabh Pant returned to captain the franchise following his long break from injury.
Dada set to take over dual role
Team Director Sourav Ganguly and captain Rishabh Pant are likely continue in their roles but the franchise is yet to officially release a statement regarding the duo.
Ganguly could take over the additional coaching duties if need be while assistant coach Praveen Amre is set to continue.
Delhi Capitals' official statement
“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?” wrote the franchise in its statement.
DC's run under Ponting
Ponting's contract with DC ended after the IPL this season and the franchise owners decided not to renew it.
DC reached the knockouts thrice in 7 seasons under Ponting. They exited the playoffs in 2019 and 2021 but had finished runners-up in 2020.
But they couldn't reach the playoffs since, winning and losing 7 games in each of their last 3 seasons.
"The top brass of Delhi Capitals have intimated 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," a source close to DC management told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
DC co-owners JSW and GMR group are scheduled to have a meeting either at the end of this month or early next month to discuss the road ahead.
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