Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Tests, Test Deputy
Ajinkya Rahane. (Credits: BCCI)

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has hinted that Team India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane might have to earn his place in the side. Ajinkya Rahane, former Rajasthan Royals captain, was traded to Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2020 season. It remains to be seen if he gets a start in their opening fixture against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) later today.

Ponting mentioned that though Rahane is not an automatic choice in the Delhi Capitals side has begun his preparation well. The former Australia captain also mentioned that he has worked closely with Ajinkya Rahane to improve his T20 batting.

Ricky Ponting | IPL 2019 | Delhi Capitals |
Ricky Ponting. Credit: IPL

“Ajinkya isn’t an automatic selection but his preparation has been great. I have worked closely with him to improve his T20 batting but I have already had the conversation with him regarding this and as far as the first match goes he is certainly in the mix of things,” Ricky Ponting said on InsideSport’s Amstrad Face 2 Face Cricket Series.

“We have a very good squad in place and the last season was probably a breakout season for the team with the rebranding and the change of name. The cricket that we played last year was outstanding. The batting side of things especially when it comes to Indian players is much sorted. We have added some players like Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Alex Carey as overseas batsmen. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje are, to be honest, our weapons, and Nortje has been incredibly impressive since he has been here and we have added Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane two very experienced Indian players. I am really happy with the squad,” Ponting added.

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Ricky Ponting (Courtesy: Instagram)
Ricky Ponting (Courtesy: Instagram)

Ricky Ponting is an extraordinary mind to have in the dressing room. Delhi Capitals players are reaping benefits from his time at the franchise as head coach. His impact on the team has also been quick as Delhi Capitals, studded with some young talents, went on to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in seven years in the last season of IPL.

Delhi Capitals will look to better their performance further in the upcoming season and Australia’s most successful coach Ricky Ponting is doing the best he can. The franchise CEO Dhiraj Malhotra said Ponting is an inspirational figure and a motivating person to be around. He also added that Ponting starts the training with a small speech which gives goosebumps to everyone.