In the latest development, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has parted ways with India Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals. The Aussie served the franchise as the head coach for seven seasons before the two parties came into a mutual agreement ahead of the mega auction.
“As you move on as our head coach, we’re finding it incredibly hard to put this down in words,” a social media post from the official Delhi Capitals handle read.
Ponting, renowned for his sharp cricketing mind and a reverend leader during his time, failed to guide the Capitals to a playoff spot in the last three IPL editions. They finished fifth (2022), ninth (2023) and sixth (2024) in the last three seasons. Under his stewardship, the best came in IPL 2020 when the Delhi-based unit ended up as runners-up under captain Shreyas Iyer. They were the table-toppers in the following season before losing the qualifier and eliminator matches to bow out of the tourney. 
The post also highlighted Ponting’s core teachings during his tenure: “The four things you told us about in every huddle – care, commitment, attitude, and effort – they sum up our seven summers together. Seven summers of you being hands-on but also hands-off so we could improve. As athletes, yes, but more importantly, as human beings.
Seven summers of your dressing room speeches – the speeches, oh! Seven summers of your hugs, shoulder pads, and fist pump for us all – newcomer, superstar… and everyone in between. Thank you for everything, Coach! Like, you often closeout, ‘Let’s leave this here mate, grab a beer, get back to work tomorrow, yeah?'”
Sourav Ganguly Likely Successor
The 49-year-old is likely to be succeeded by the Capitals’ Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly as a head coach. Otherwise, the former Indian captain might be responsible for bringing a new head coach in the Capitals setup.
Ponting, who was a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural edition, could turn back time to fill the void left by Gautam Gambhir for the three-time champions.
