Dubai: Delhi Capital’s head coach Ricky Ponting feels his team will have to start from where they have left Delhi’s splendid performance in the IPL’s first half when the tournament resumes in the UAE on Sunday. The IPL was halted in May, midway through the league stage, due to the emerging of several COVID-19 cases in the bio-bubble.
“It doesn’t matter what we’ve done in the first half of the season. It’s been four months since when we played some really good cricket, so we really have to start again. Our performance in the first half of the tournament was because of how well we played and how hard we worked, but I don’t think we played our best cricket,” added the Australian batting great.” Ponting added on his side.
The former Aussie skipper has been with the side for a few years now and was keen to join the boys at the camp.
“I have been waiting for four months to come back to the Delhi Capitals camp. I have such a great time when I work with the team and it’s a great time in my calendar year. I have been keeping a close eye on what’s been happening here.” The Aussie said.
I have been speaking to the coaching staff here and they have done a great job so far (in the pre-season camp). You can see with the intensity and the attitude shown by the players that it’s been a really worthwhile camp so far. I am really excited about what we’ve got coming up in the next four-five weeks,” the 46-year-old further added.
The absence of Shreys Iyer did create a bit of concern despite the side’s table-topping run and Ponting too was optimistic about the Mumbaikar’s return to the squad ahead of the second half with his side playing the first game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on September 22.
“It’s great to have Shreyas back. He has got an infectious attitude. I have been talking to him a lot and his training has been great. He’s so keen to get back into the field, score runs and win. He’s a world-class player and he’s going to add a lot to our team, there’s no doubt about that.” Ponting added on the Mumbaikar.
