"DC, for me, was like my second home" - Ricky Ponting opens up about parting ways with franchise

Australian great Ricky Ponting called the Delhi Capitals (DC) a second home after recently parting ways with the franchise as head coach. The 49-year-old performed the role for seven years from 2018 to 2014.

During his tenure, DC made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2021. However, they have failed to finish in the top four over the past three years from 2022 to 2024.

In the IPL 2024 season, DC finished sixth in the ten-team race, prompting the franchise to move on from Ponting.

In an interview with Cricbuzz, Ponting opened up on his time with DC by saying:

"I haven't spoken publicly about not being there next year. Look, I had a great time there. DC, for me, was like my second home and my family was there with me for a month or five weeks in the last three or four years. It hasn't always been the most successful franchise. So we tried to build a real family inclusive environment where everyone was treated the same and everyone was on the same page."

He added:

"So it is what it is, we've decided to part ways and we decided to move on but that doesn't mean that I won't be coaching again. I'm very keen to get back involved in the IPL. There might be a few opportunities coming up and we'll see what happens over the next few weeks."

Before Ponting became the head coach, DC had qualified for the playoffs once thrice in ten seasons.

However, the Aussie legend helped the side forge an identity and guided them to their lone final appearance in 2020.

"What Rishabh's been through last year is one that's probably the most emotional" - Ricky Ponting

[Credit: Getty] Pant missed the entire IPL 2023 season with injury

Ricky Ponting admitted skipper Rishabh Pant's injury due to a car accident in December 2022 and his return this year was most emotional for everyone involved with the franchise.

The 26-year-old missed the 2023 IPL season where DC finished second to bottom on the points table.

"I mean what Rishabh's been through last year is one that's probably the most emotional, with how close I was with him and what he went through and the fear of all of us that he might not play cricket again. Seeing him back and doing what he's doing and leading DC, I think it's a pretty emotional time for everyone," said Ponting.

Pant returned with a bang in IPL 2024, scoring 446 runs at an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40 in 13 outings.

Following his impressive IPL season, the wicket-keeper batter played a massive role in India's recent 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.