Ricky Ponting accused of discrimination with Indian players in Delhi Capitals by former Indian legend

“Delhi Capitals have never been a team to back its Indian players.” These were the words of former IPL winner with Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, Robin Uthappa who was all of us after seeing DC produce yet another shambolic performance in their opening match. From what could have been a great way to welcome back skipper Rishabh Pant from that horrific car crash and 14-month recovery period, Delhi chose to go the losing way.

A 4-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings at the newly opened Maharaja Yadavindra Singh stadium in Mullanpur was the way Delhi Capitals started their season. Even though it was a surface that helped batting, the DC batters might have watched too much of Bazball recently when they toured India for a Test series.

And that’s because, while trying to go ultra-aggressively, DC batters forgot they were against a wicket-taking bowling unit of Punjab Kings, consisting of Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, and Arshdeep Singh among others. The DC batters playing impatiently yesterday was not the only problem, the hidden problem is their lack of encouragement towards local players.

Robin Uthappa unable to understand Delhi Capitals’ philosophy

While speaking to Jio Cinema after Punjab Kings registered victory against Delhi Capitals in their opening match, Robin Uthappa chose to give a reality check to the losing team. He openly questioned the management, led by Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly, as to why they don’t back their homegrown players. And since they don’t, what’s the point of investing in them?

Uthappa’s comments were not criticism but it was his problem with the Capitals franchise who have reached the IPL final only once back in 2020. “Why don’t you back the Indian players you have picked? I don’t understand why a franchise like DC doesn’t back Indian players. That’s my problem with DC, they never try out their Indian lads.” – Uthappa said via Jio Cinema. 

Someone should tell Robin Uthappa that retaining or backing, whether foreign or homegrown players has never been the agenda of Delhi Capitals. Regardless of who the player is – Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, and Ab De Villiers among many others, once they endure a poor season, they are OUT.

The situation of the franchise might have bettered to some extent in the last few years, but the 2022 and 2023 seasons are unlike anything the season they had from 2019 to 2021. Seems as if consistency is also out of Delhi Capitals’ priority list.

Uthappa slams Ponting and Co. for sending Abhishek Porel down at number 9

Robin Uthappa further spoke about Delhi Capitals management’s decision to send such a talented batter like Abhishek Porel in at number 9 as the Impact player. Uthappa observed that Porel has a good power-hitting technique and that he can be a successful batsman if sent at number 3 or 4, which was yesterday occupied by Shai Hope and Rishabh Pant.

“Looking at Porel’s technique, I think he can be a huge success at the top order. But how will you know if you don’t try him out? Why not bat him at No.3 or 4? He came in as an Impact Player at No.9 and almost saved the franchise.” – Uthappa concluded. 

Up next, the Capitals will be traveling to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium to take on Rajasthan Royals on Thursday, March 28th.