I'd never have thought that Harbhajan and I could be good mates: Ricky Ponting

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a wonderful platform to connect different people together. Sportsmen who play/played against each other at the international and domestic level become good mates when they take part in the league. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also opened up about the similar impact that the league had on him. He said that he never thought he’d be friends with Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.

A lot transpired between the two passionate cricketers during their playing days. Bhajji was involved in the ‘Monkeygate’ controversy when Ponting was at the helm for Australia. Coming into the IPL, the former Aussie skipper was involved with the Mumbai Indians franchise for a few seasons – first as a player and then as a coach. Therefore, the duo got to know each other better and are very good mates now.

Sourav and I have always got along just fine

Ponting, the Delhi Capitals head coach, will be working in close quarters with Sourav Ganguly who is the advisor for the franchise. Ricky Ponting talked about the relationship he shared with Ganguly and added that they are good friends. He noted that they have interacted a lot with each other since their retirement.

“Sourav (Ganguly) and I have always got along just fine. We have great respect for one another. We’ve actually interacted a lot since we’ve been retired. We’ve been on cricket committees together and spent a bit of time talking.

“He will be an advisor. He might not have anything to do with us on game day but he will be around the team, around meetings. I’m very, very open to that. He’s been a great leader and player and he’s got great ideas around the game,” Ponting told Cricbuzz.

The Aussie cricketer said that the IPL has been able to break many barriers in the last few years between countries as well as the coaches. “That’s a good part of the IPL, a lot of barriers are broken down between countries and coaches. I’d never have thought that Harbhajan and I could be good mates!,” he added.

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