‘Incredibly hard’: Ricky Ponting stood down as Delhi Capitals coach

The Delhi Capitals have parted ways with coach Ricky Ponting, ending his seven-year association with the Indian Premier League franchise.

The Delhi Capitals has parted ways with coach Ricky Ponting, ending the former Australian captain’s seven-year association with the Indian Premier League franchise.

On Saturday, the Capitals announced Ponting would not return as coach in 2025, thanking the 49-year-old for his service.

“As you move on as our head coach, we’re finding it incredibly hard to put this down in words,” the Capitals posted to Twitter.

“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 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.

“Seven summers of your hugs, shoulder pats and fist pumps for us all — newcomer, superstar … and everyone in-between.”

Ponting’s contract ended this year, with the Capitals editing its social media post to clarify the decision was made from their end.

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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

Ponting was appointed as Delhi’s head coach in January 2018, leading the franchise to the playoffs in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

However, the Capitals have not qualified for the IPL knockouts since 2021, finishing sixth on the standings this year.

The franchise is yet to announce Ponting’s successor.

Ponting is currently coaching the Washington Freedom in the second edition of Major League Cricket in the United States.

Originally published as ‘Incredibly hard’: Ricky Ponting stood down as Delhi Capitals coach