Mumbai Indians pay tribute to former coach Ricky Ponting in an inspirational video

Ahead of the second Qualifier in the 2017 IPL, the Mumbai Indians paid tribute to their coach Ricky Ponting in an inspirational video. Ponting played just the lone season with the Mumbai Indians in 2013. However, the former Australian captain stayed on as a member of the side’s coaching staff ever since.

Ricky Ponting, or Punter as he is more commonly known for his gambles on the field, tasted success in his very first season with the Mumbai Indians. The side went on to lift the IPL trophy in 2013, defeating the Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs in the final. The good times were back for the Mumbai Indians, as they were crowned IPL champions for a second time in 2015. On this occasion, Ponting was behind the scenes for the team.

Action of gratitude

With the IPL coming to a close, some of the Mumbai players took the opportunity to share a few words about the great Ricky Ponting in a short video. Skipper Rohit Sharma opened by saying, “He is someone who is so charged up all the time, and he passes that on to all the young players. That’s how he’s played his game.”

On the other hand, up and coming all-rounder Krunal Pandya said, “Such a big player, such a legend, when he comes and motivates you in every little thing, then automatically your confidence improves.”

Ricky Ponting remains one of Australia’s most successful and audacious captains, who’s got three world cups and two champions trophy titles under his belt. His presence in the Mumbai Indians setup has bolstered the side’s performances.

This called for a few lines of gratitude from the big West Indian Kieron Pollard, who has been the side’s biggest asset over the years. Pollard said, “He is consistent in his messages, he is consistent in what he tries to get across, he is an absolute professional.”

An inspirational leader, who turned our fortunes around! We pay tribute to the legendary Ricky Ponting​! ??#CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/r3gtIEAhtM

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 18, 2017

That being said, the Mumbai Indians still have a job at hand as they meet Kolkata Knight Riders in the second qualifier. If they win, they will face off against the Rising Pune Supergiant in the final for yet another Maharashtra Derby.