IPL 2019: When you have talented players like Rishabh Pant you just keep backing them, says Ricky Ponting

Earlier this week the Delhi Capitals were able to claim the top spot in the IPL 2019 points table overhauling the long-reigning Chennai Super Kings. Rajasthan Royals batsman Ajinkya Rahane scored a brilliant hundred and yet with the combined efforts of Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant, Delhi could claim a glorifying victory. In this light, veteran batsman Ricky Ponting highlighted how it is important to back the talent in the team.

With seven wins in 11 matches — that amounts to 14 points, the Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi Capitals side have been able to hold the third spot in the table followed by Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. The top two teams won 8 and 7 matches respectively. However, Delhi is just a little away from the peak they’ve been longing for the last 11 years. It wasn’t a great start for them initially, but eventually, they covered up all the bases. They have been able to claim remarkable victories.

Starting from the last over thriller against KKR — when Kagiso Rabada shined in Delhi’s victory in the Super over — to this day where they defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad by 39 runs the franchise has come a long way. And since then they’ve only lost one game, to the Mumbai Indians. And the batters have come a long way too.

Glad Rishabh Pant found form against RR, says Ponting

With these turn of events, Delhi head coach Ricky Ponting believes that having faith in talented cricketers like Rishabh Pant has paid off. The responsibilities have now been shared amongst the bowlers and batsmen both. The arsenal is strong with Rishabh Pant, who wasn’t selected in the World Cup and has yet proven himself worthy as part of any team.

According to India Today, Ricky Ponting said on Friday, “There have been questions asked about where we should have dropped certain players in some matches, but I believe when you have talented players in your squad, you just keep backing them. We have players who can turn it around quite quickly as it takes just one inning or match to get going in a tournament like this.”

“Players like Rishabh might have had certain thoughts about World Cup selection, but to be honest, that 78 not out in the first match against Mumbai got us the win. I’m glad he found form again against RR, and what you want from players like him in such a tournament is that they win you three or four matches each throughout the season, and he has won two games for us so far, and if he remains in form, he can get a couple of more wins,” the former Australian captain added.

[interaction id=”5cbd69446fdf9a4c0be42c9d”]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League (IPL), Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.