The Way Ricky Ponting Motivates Players Is Simply Amazing: Shreyas Iyer

Skipper Shreyas Iyer fighting fifty went in vain as Delhi Capitals lost the IPL 2020 final to Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. Playing their first-ever final, Delhi Capitals lost the game by five wickets.

Batting first, Delhi were off to a disastrous start as their top three – Marcus Stoinis (0), Ajinkya Rahane (2) and Shikhar Dhawan (15) – departed inside the fourth over with only 22 runs on the board. Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant then steadied the ship with a 96-run stand.

Both the batsmen scored fifties. While Pant scored 56, Iyer remained unbeaten on 65. Delhi Capitals, however, could not provide the finishing touches to their innings as Shreyas Iyer found little support from the other end. With the likes of Shimron Hetmyer and Axar Patel failing to deliver, Delhi scored only 20 runs in the final three overs.

In reply, Mumbai Indians chased down the total inside 19 overs without facing much trouble. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring 68 while Ishan Kishan also played a crucial knock of 33 not out.

Shreyas Iyer’s reaction:

Speaking at the end of the game, Shreyas Iyer started by praising head coach Ricky Ponting for giving ample freedom to the players. He further praised his teammates for the way they played to guide Delhi Capitals to their first-ever IPL final and set his sight on the next edition of the competition.

“Ricky, the amount of freedom he gives us is outstanding. The way he motivates players is simply amazing. His team meetings and motivational speeches it quite incredible,” said Shreyas Iyer.

“The IPL always amazes you, it’s one of the toughest leagues to play. I’m overwhelmed to be part of it, and I’m really proud of my boys, the way they have played to reach the final, it’s not easy.

“Winning the IPL would have been better, but we will see to it that we lift the trophy next year. I would like to thank our fans, and we’re thankful for all the support that has been showered on us throughout the season,” he added.

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