New Delhi [India], September 20 (ANI): After being appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the Indian Premier League (IPL), former Australian captain Ricky Ponting shared insights into his departure from the Delhi Capitals (DC) coaching staff. Ponting cited availability issues and the franchise’s desire for a full-time head coach as reasons for his exit.

Ponting has taken over as head coach of Punjab Kings starting from IPL 2025, marking the end of his seven-year tenure with Delhi Capitals just two months prior. Ponting’s arrival makes him the third head coach in four seasons for Punjab Kings, a team that finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season and has not reached the playoffs since their runner-up finish in 2014. One of his immediate challenges will be identifying players for retention, contingent on the finalization of the IPL’s retention rules.

Ricky Ponting’s association with IPL began as a player for Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural 2008 season. He later joined Mumbai Indians, where he stepped down as captain mid-season in 2013, paving the way for Rohit Sharma to lead the team to their first title. Ponting continued with Mumbai Indians in an advisory role in 2014 and served as head coach in 2015 and 2016.

In 2018, Ponting assumed the role of head coach for Delhi Capitals, steering them to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, including their maiden final in 2020. His tenure with Delhi Capitals concluded in July 2024, after which he led Washington Freedom to a championship victory in Major League Cricket (MLC).

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Ponting highlighted the sense of camaraderie he fostered at Delhi Capitals. “We created a really good family environment there. They wanted a full-time head coach due to my availability issues. I couldn’t commit to that, so while I was disappointed, I understood their direction,” Ponting said.

“Everyone involved had a great time. The social media posts from Delhi Capitals show that many were disappointed with my departure. But decisions were made,” he added.

Ponting acknowledged the intense pressure associated with winning a trophy but stated that he thrives under such pressure. “That pressure is what makes coaching exciting for me. It’s as close to playing as you can get. After I retired, coaching became the next best thing to being on the field. Competing against former teammates and rivals brings out my competitive spirit. The cricket changing room is where I belong,” Ponting emphasized.

Reflecting on his IPL journey, Ponting recalled his coaching stint with Mumbai Indians as an “awesome experience” and described the Delhi Capitals locker room as a “special place,” even without a trophy.

“But we made significant mistakes during our mega-auction in 2022 and probably in our player retentions, which set us back. This year [2024], we faced setbacks like Rishabh Pant’s suspension during a crucial game, costing us a playoff spot on run rate. Small margins decide T20 games and seasons,” he explained.

Discussing the evolution of IPL coaching, Ponting noted that teams now have specialized coaches covering every aspect of the game. “Having the best coaches and players ensures high-quality cricket. This environment has elevated Indian cricket talent by exposing them to top-tier coaching for two to three months annually,” he said.

Ponting mentioned that many IPL franchises aim for full-time coaching staff, a commitment he couldn’t make due to other obligations and family time.

Key performers for Punjab last season included Harshal Patel, who won the Purple Cap for the second time, and uncapped Indian players Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. The squad also features talents like left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, and overseas stars such as England’s Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and South African pacer Kagiso Rabada.

With Shikhar Dhawan recently retiring, identifying a new captain will be a top priority for Ponting and the team management. (ANI)