IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting confirms IPL return, reveals joining new franchise ahead of mega auction

Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has almost confirmed his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after parting ways with the Delhi Capitals (DC). Delhi sacked Ponting after the IPL 2024 after his six-year tenure passed without a title.

Well, Ponting has now hinted at joining one of the most loved franchises in the tournament ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025. Even the former Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach also disclosed that they will ink the deal in the next couple of weeks, hinting at joining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Ricky Ponting set for IPL return, as few roles up for grabs among teams

The KKR are facing a major shake-up as they prepare for IPL 2025, with key roles in their coaching staff up for grabs. After clinching the IPL 2024 title, KKR is on the hunt for a new mentor following Gautam Gambhir’s exit, as he has now taken over the reins as head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Gambhir’s departure leaves a significant void in the Kolkata franchise, but that’s not all, as the three-time IPL champions have also lost their fielding coach Ryan Ten Doeschate, and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. They have joined Gambhir in the Indian team’s coaching staff.

Rumors are swirling, as KKR is looking to bring in some of the coaching giants to fill these crucial positions ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. According to recent reports, the franchise has set its sights on South African legend Jacques Kallis and Ponting to replace Gambhir as mentor.

Kallis, who was already part of the KKR both as a player and batting consultant, is likely to rejoin the team before next season. However, it is unsure whether the Proteas great will join the KKR coaching staff headed by Chandrakant Pandit as the batting coach or mentor.

Ricky Ponting hints at joining KKR ahead of the IPL 2025

Now, Ponting has revealed that he was approached by some of the IPL teams, with only Punjab Kings (PBKS) reportedly looking for a new coach. However, KKR is looking for a mentor, and the former two-time World Cup-winning captain might be in talks with them to replace Gambhir as mentor.

Ricky Ponting said on the Sky Sports podcast, “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. I finished up with DC as well, so there might be a few other opportunities coming in the IPL in the next few weeks. We’ll see.”

🎙️RICKY PONTING: "There might be a few opportunities coming up in IPL and we'll see what happens over the next few weeks." 👀
📰 Again KKR is interested in Ricky Ponting.( Hindustan Times).
Is Ricky Ponting set to join KKR? pic.twitter.com/q1xWluRAtD

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) September 11, 2024

Notably, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are reportedly looking for a new coach, but they want an Indian coach for the team while DC has not yet finalized Ponting’s replacement. On the other hand, Rahul Dravid also returned to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as the head coach last week.