Ricky Ponting steps down as head coach of Delhi Capitals

NEW DELHI: Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has stepped down as the head coach of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The development brings to an end Ponting’s seven-year association with the franchise ahead of the mega auction in the run-up to the 2025 season of the tournament. Ponting was appointed as DC's head coach in 2018 when the side was called Delhi Daredevils.

'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,' wrote the franchise in its statement.

After 7 seasons, Delhi Capitals has decided to part ways with Ricky Ponting.

It's been a great journey, Coach! Thank you for everything 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/dnIE5QY6ac

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) July 13, 2024

After failing to enter the IPL playoffs in 2018, DC made it to the business end of the competition in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons. In 2020, DC made it to an IPL final for the first time but ended up as runners-up to Mumbai Indians in Dubai.

Meanwhile, it is unclear what Ricky Ponting's future plans are. There were rumours that he would take up the position of Indian cricket team's head coach. However, the BCCI came out denying this report.

DC will now be hitting the ground running in search of a new head coach for the franchise ahead of the mega auctions for IPL 2025. Other members of the DC coaching staff include director of cricket Sourav Ganguly, assistant coach Pravin Amre, bowling coach James Hopes, and fielding coach Biju George.