Ricky Ponting recalls watching ‘frustrating’ DC vs RR match in quarantine FirstSportz

Delhi Capitals has been going through turbulent times lately. Delhi got off to a good start in its IPL campaign but mounting challenges such as the late arrival of key players, injuries and the outbreak of Covid 19 at the camp rocked the Delhi season. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, the Australian inclusions for the Delhi team, arrived quite late. The challenges for DC continued to mount as a Covid-19 outbreak erupted at camp when six players tested positive, including Mitchell Marsh.

In addition, Delhi head coach Ricky Ponting’s family member had tested positive for Covid 19, causing the Australian legend to miss the game against Rajasthan Royals. In the end, Delhi lost the games by 15 runs. To get the season going again, they need to qualify for the playoffs. To successfully book a playoff ticket, DC must win five of its seven remaining games.

Delhi’s game against Rajasthan and pure chaos as we witnessed one of the most dramatic endings in an IPL game. RR posted a mammoth 218 score thanks to a brilliant ton from Jos Buttler. In Obed McCoy’s last over, DC needed 36 runs with six balls. The first three deliveries bowled by McCoy were hit for massive sixes. The third ball may not have been a ball as it was visibly above Rovman Powell’s waist. Referee Nitin Menon did not signal a no ball, which infuriated the Delhi camp.

The controversy surrounding the new ball ended in mere hints. The Delhi captain even signaled the field batsmen, Kuldeep Yadav and Rovman Powell, to leave the pitch as a symbol of protest. Delhi assistant coach Pravin Amre entered the field and discussed with the referees on the field. However, DC lost the match by 15 runs.

The chaos for Delhi did not end there as Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur and Pravin Amre were all fined for violating the code of conduct.

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The incident frustrated Delhi head coach Ricky Ponting

Quarantined Delhi head coach Ricky Ponting watched all this drama from his hotel room and mentioned breaking remote controls and throwing water bottles in frustration. He added that he constantly communicates with the team management via text messages.

“It was frustrating. I think I broke three or four remote controls and maybe a couple of water bottles got thrown into the walls and stuff (laughs). When you’re on the sidelines as a coach and can’t control what’s happening in the middle, that’s hard enough, but when you’re not really there it can get a little more frustrating. I keep texting, do this, do that, stuff like that,” said Ricky Ponting.

Also read: Withdrawal from the IPL: Ex-India coach advises Virat Kohli