New Delhi: Australia legend Ricky Ponting has hinted at a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in a coaching role after getting sacked by Delhi Capitals (DC) earlier this year. Amid reports that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are considering him as a replacement for former mentor Gautam Gambhir, Ponting has confirmed he is open to making a comeback in the IPL.
Ponting was sacked as the head coach of DC after the franchise failed to qualify for the playoff in IPL 2024. He was at the helm for seven years at the franchise but failed to inspire them to their maiden title triumph, leading to his removal. However, DC made it to their first final under Ponting in IPL 2020 where they lost against Mumbai Indians.
Ponting, who was on commentary duties for England’s recently concluded three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, confirmed his desire to return to the IPL while speaking on Sky Sports. The former Australia captain said he is not looking to coach an international team but might consider offers from the IPL that will be coming his way.
“An international role is not where I am right now. The last two years have been a lot busier than I wanted. This year I have coached in the MLC as well which was a lot of fun. I’ll continue to do that. That was just three and a half weeks,” Ponting said on Sky Sports.
“I finished up with DC as well so there might be a few other opportunities coming in the IPL in the next few week. We’ll see,” he added.
Will Ponting replace Gambhir as KKR mentor?
Ponting’s comments have come at a time when reports have claimed that he is under consideration for the mentor’s role at KKR. KKR had roped in Gambhir as their mentor ahead of IPL 2024 and the move worked wonders for the franchise as they ended their decade-long title drought by lifting the IPL 2024 trophy earlier this year.
However, Gambhir stepped down from his role after being appointed as the head coach of the Indian team. KKR’s assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate also parted ways with KKR to join Gambhir’s backroom staff at the Indian team. KKR will be looking to revamp their entire coaching staff ahead of IPL 2025 to ensure good support for head coach Chandrakant Pandit.
Former Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting has teased a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) amid reports that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might rope him in as a replacement for former mentor Gautam Gambhir. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
