"There was tension"- Alyssa Healy sensationally accuses Sourav Ganguly for Ricky Ponting's exit from Delhi Capitals
Published - 19 Jul 2024, 10:53 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:15 AM
Australia women's team captain Alyssa Healy commented on the unrest she observed within the Delhi Capitals (DC) team during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Alyssa Healy revealed that she noticed tension between support staff and possibly players in the DC dugout in this year's tournament.
Ricky Ponting was recently dismissed as head coach of the Delhi Capitals, leading to ongoing speculation about the team's coaching structure. Sourav Ganguly, currently the director of cricket for DC, expressed interest in becoming head coach. However, the franchise has not yet made an official confirmation.
The two-time ODI World Cup-winning skipper was appointed head coach in 2018. Ponting led the Delhi-based team to immense success during his tenure. The team reached the playoffs three consecutive times in 2019. DC reached their first-ever final in the 2020 season but lost to the Mumbai Indians (MI).
However, DC has failed to reach the playoffs since 2021. The franchise finished in ninth place in the 2023 edition. The Rishabh Pant-led side finished sixth in the IPL 2024 and missed the playoffs due to a lower net run rate (NRR), despite having the same points as the fourth-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Just Didn't Seem Right In The Dugout - Alyssa Healy
When asked about anticipating the Delhi Capitals parting ways with Ricky Ponting, Alyssa Healy said she had expected it. Healy stated that the team atmosphere didn't look right, despite Rishabh Pant appearing relaxed. She added that it wasn't surprising to see Ponting part ways with Delhi.
"I did, because being over there in India this year, watching it live, from an Indian perspective, it just didn't seem right in the dugout. There was obviously a bit going on, there was tension between the support staff, and maybe the players. Rishabh Pant was in charge and looked quite relaxed... but it just didn't look right," Healy said on LiSTNR Sport.
“It wasn't a surprise to me that if you put an international coach against an Indian icon, the international coach would probably part ways," she added.
Regarding international coaching, Ponting has previously worked as an interim coach and consultant for the Australian men's national team.
It Has Opened Up For Ricky Ponting - Alyssa Healy
Alyssa Healy mentioned that Ricky Ponting now has the opportunity to explore various options. She noted that Ponting could potentially coach an international team, continue with franchise cricket, or pursue other interests.
“But yeah, it's opened up a whole avenue for Ricky to look at. Will he coach an international side or stick to franchise cricket, or do whatever else he wants to do, it has opened up for him,” said the Aussie star.
Alyssa Healy captained the UP Warriorz in the 2024 Women's Premier League (WPL). The Australian cricketer attended several IPL matches, especially those featuring her husband, Mitchell Starc, who played for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
