‘We were focusing on our game’ – Axar Patel reveals how Ricky Ponting’s motivational speech helped COVID-hit DC

Delhi Capitals stunned Punjab Kings on Wednesday (April 20) and recorded a comprehensive nine-wicket triumph at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. It was indeed a remarkable performance from the Rishabh Pant-led side considering the challenges the team faced ahead of the game. COVID infiltrated the DC camp as the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Tim Seifert tested positive.

While the other players tested negative, they had to undergo quarantine for a certain time. Even the practice sessions got cancelled and the venue of the game was changed as well. All these things are enough to make players feel vulnerable but this didn’t restrict DC from thrashing PBKS.

You can think that there are positive cases: Ricky Ponting to DC players

Shedding light on DC’s dominating show, all-rounder Axar Patel opened up about the pep talk from head coach Ricky Ponting, which massively boosted the morale of the side.

“We were quarantined and we started practice two-three days after that, he (Ponting) told us we have two options. We have to play the match. You can think that there are positive cases, and the preparations aren’t done. Or you can think all outside things are not in our hands and you should show commitment with regard to the effort and preparation,” Axar said after the match.

“We were focusing on our game (and) we did our planning (accordingly). So that’s it, that was the speech and that was our mindset,” added the left-arm spinner. It must be noted that DC bundled PBKS out for just 115 on a decent track. In reply, DC crossed the line in just 10.3 overs, winning their third match in IPL 2022.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was adjudged the Player of the Match for taking two wickets in the game. Axar was pretty pleased with Kuldeep’s efforts as he revealed how the team management instilled confidence in the young spinner.

“Like you said, the atmosphere is very important. I had earlier said when he (Kuldeep) came, he needed confidence. After you don’t play well for a season or two, you are less confident, so Rishabh (Pant), I and the coaching staff – Ricky (Ponting) gave him the confidence, which was crucial,” Axar said.