Ponting, the former Australia all-format captain, and a three-time ODI World Cup winner, was appointed head coach of Delhi Daredevils (later renamed to Delhi Capitals) in January 2018. Since then, he's held the position, with the team qualifying for the playoffs in 2019, 2020 and 2021. They finished sixth in the 2024 season, which turned out to be Ponting's last.

The statement from Delhi Capitals read:

"Dear Ricky, as you move on as our Head Coach, we're finding it incredibly hard to put this down in words. The four things you told us about in every huddle – care, commitment, attitude and effort – they sum up our seven summers together".

"Seven summers of you being hands-on, but also hands-off, so that we could become better. As athletes, yes, but more importantly, as human beings. Seven summers of you reaching every training session first, and leaving last. Seven summers of you sprinting out of the dugout during strategic timeouts, and biting your nails off until there were none left. Seven summers of your dressing room speeches the speeches, Oh! (Separate post for that loading) Seven summers of your hugs, shoulder pats and fist pumps for us all - newcomer, superstar... and everyone in-between."

Ponting leaves Delhi Capitals: Mutual decision or not?

There's no clarity yet on whether the decision was mutual or not. Reports first emerged via the Bengali daily Aajkaal, where Sourav Ganguly revealed that Ponting will not continue as coach. His contract ended this year.

“The planning for the next year’s IPL needs to start. I want to win a title with the Delhi Capitals at least once," Ganguly was quoted as saying. "The mega auction is next year, so planning is needed from now on. Let me break some news: Ricky Ponting won’t be kept as the coach from next season onwards.

"Geoffrey Boycott has said the right thing. Ponting hasn’t been able to move the team forward in his tenure of seven years. Need to talk with the management. Should keep an eye on Indian coaches.”

On social media, there were rumours over Ponting's departure, with some suggesting that his tenure had ended but a decision will only be made after a review.

Update: Delhi Capitals edited the original post to make it clear the decision was made from their end, with the new post captioned as:

"After 7 seasons, Delhi Capitals has decided to part ways with Ricky Ponting. It's been a great journey, Coach! Thank you for everything".

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