DC vs RR: Ricky Ponting issues massive warning to Sanju Samson and other IPL teams
Published - 07 May 2024, 12:51 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:11 AM
Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting is optimistic about his team reaching the playoffs in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Ricky Ponting acknowledged the challenge posed by a strong Rajasthan Royals (RR) team but stated that the Delhi Capitals can beat anybody.
The Rishabh Pant-led team is currently in sixth place in the standings with 10 points to their tally. The Delhi team has five wins and suffered six defeats in 11 league stage matches so far. The team needs to win the remaining three matches to secure a berth in the playoffs in the ongoing season.
The DC team will have 16 points if they secure victories in their remaining three games. However, it might not guarantee them a spot in the top four positions at the end of the league stage. KKR and RR already have 16 points, and other teams like CSK, SRH, and LSG, with 12 points each, are also in contention.
We're Back Home Now - Ricky Ponting
Speaking ahead of the match against the Rajasthan Royals, Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back following their loss against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Ponting emphasized the need to win their remaining games to secure a playoff berth.
"Our last performance against Kolkata wasn't one of our best, but we're back home now. We've won two of our three games here," Ponting said.
"We know we're coming up against a very good Rajasthan side, but as we've seen in the tournament so far if we can play our best cricket for 40 overs, then I'll guarantee that we'll be hard to beat. It doesn't matter who we play or where we play them. We know that we can beat anybody."
"We are keeping an eye on things. We find ourselves in a situation where we most likely have to win our last three games to qualify. We had a slow start but really proud of what the boys have done in the last 6-7 games," he added.
Ishant Sharma Is Fit For Selection - Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting provided an update on Ishant Sharma and David Warner's fitness status. Ponting confirmed that Ishant is available for selection, while Warner's condition has improved compared to earlier days.
"They both trained yesterday. In fact, Ishant trained three of the last five days. He probably won't bowl today. We're pretty happy with what we've seen from him over the last couple of days with his bowling. As of now, he's fit for selection," Ponting stated.
"David Warner had a few days off. He also did some batting yesterday in the nets for about 20 minutes. He'll go through his final paces today. He's still yet to be fit, but from what I saw yesterday, he's a whole lot better than he was a few days ago."
David Warner and Ishant Sharma have been out of action over the past few weeks in the Indian Premier League 2024 season. Warner sustained a finger injury during a match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 12. Meanwhile, Ishant has been recuperating from back spasms.
Warner has scored 167 in seven matches at an average of 23.86 and a strike rate of 135.77, with a best score of 52 runs. Ishant has taken six wickets in six matches at an average of 27.67 and an economy rate of 9.76.
The Delhi Capitals will take on the Rajasthan Royals in their upcoming match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, May 7. The Capitals will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants in their last two league stage matches.
Also read: KKR vs MI: Massive update arrives on Jasprit Bumrah's availability for future IPL 2024 matches
