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Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain and celebrated coach, has recently confirmed he will not be taking up the England white-ball coaching role and will love to make a return as a coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Ricky Ponting’s potential return to IPL
This decision has fueled speculation about his return to the IPL in a coaching capacity. Having recently stepped down as the Delhi Capitals (DC)’s head coach after a successful seven-year stint, Ponting’s next move is eagerly anticipated. His recent success with the Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC), where he led the team to their inaugural title, further bolsters his appeal. As Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 approaches, several teams might vie for his expertise.
3 Teams that might seek Ricky Ponting expertise in the IPL 2025:
1. Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings (PBKS) are poised for significant changes following Trevor Bayliss’s underwhelming tenure. Appointed in 2022, Bayliss led PBKS in 42 matches, with the team securing only 18 wins and suffering 24 losses. His tenure was marred by inconsistency and a lack of leadership continuity, contributing to a disappointing ninth-place finish in IPL 2024. With Bayliss set to be released, PBKS could look to Ponting as a potential head coach. Ponting’s proven track record and ability to build cohesive teams make him a compelling option for PBKS, who are keen to end their IPL title drought.
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2. Rajasthan Royals
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) could potentially miss the service of Kumar Sangakkara’s from his role as Director of Cricket. While Shane Bond and Trevor Penny serve as assistant coaches, the franchise lacks a prominent head coach. The Royals experienced a slump in IPL 2024 after a promising start, highlighting the need for strong leadership. There are speculations about Rahul Dravid potentially stepping into the coaching role, but Ponting’s extensive experience with major IPL teams could provide a competitive edge. RR, who are chasing their second IPL title since their inaugural win in 2008, might see Ponting as the key to revitalizing their campaign.
3. Gujarat Titans
Recently media reports suggested that CVC Capital, the owner of Gujarat Titans (GT), is considering a revamp of the coaching structure. Although the team’s performance has been consistently strong, including a title win in their debut IPL season and a subsequent final appearance, there are indications that changes might be on the horizon.
The current head coach, Ashish Nehra, has been in charge since IPL 2022, leading the team to their inaugural title and a final appearance in 2023. However, Nehra’s presence has diminished over time, and the team’s internal dynamics could prompt a change. Ponting’s strategic acumen and ability to bring systematic changes could make him an attractive candidate for the Titans if they decide to overhaul their coaching setup.
