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‘I’ve always enjoyed Ganguly’s company’ – Ponting

by Wisden Staff 2 minute read
Image credit – AFP

Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly might have rarely seen eye-to-eye when they played international cricket but the two former captains are now working together to mentor the Delhi Capitals side in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

While Ponting is coaching the Delhi unit, Ganguly was roped in as the team advisor last month. Putting their on-field rivalry behind them, both have joined forces to help Delhi make a marked improvement this season.

The three-time World Cup winner was all praise for Ganguly and admitted that he is great company and very committed to Delhi’s cause.

“I’ve always enjoyed his company. I think all the boys have enjoyed it as well,” Ponting told Sportstar. “He is very passionate about Delhi Capitals and the success that we are hoping to bring to the team. So we are working well together.”

Ponting insisted that he and Ganguly are very similar and have always got on well. “[Over] the last month sharing the dugout and meetings and things with Sourav has been a lot of fun.

“I am sure he said the same thing. We have got very similar ideas and views on the game which has made us work well together. We have always got on well since our playing days. Since we have retired, we have caught up a couple times a year at least.”

The 44-year-old was also asked about an 18-year-old incident in Kolkata when Ganguly made Steve Waugh wait for several minutes for the toss, but he brushed the question aside. “Eighteen years is a long time ago. It makes me realise how old I am these days,” he added with a smile.

With three wins and three losses in their six games, Delhi have had a mixed season so far. They are currently placed in the bottom half of the table but Ponting is confident that the team will realise its potential in the coming weeks.

“We have got off to a solid start, we haven’t been brilliant yet but I think we have got some brilliant cricket to play and hopefully we will see that in the next couple of weeks.”

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