The Delhi Capitals were eliminated from the 2023 Indian Premier League playoffs, following a 31-run loss to Punjab Kings in a do-or-die match last week. Despite having two more games in the season, the DC has no hope of making it past the group stage. The team looks to end the campaign on a high note, beginning with a rematch against the PBKS later on Wednesday, and finishing the season with a game against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday. David Warner (L), Ricky Ponting (C) and Sourav Ganguly(PTI)
Irfan Pathan, a former India all-rounder, has suggested that the Delhi Capitals replace their current head coach Ricky Ponting with Sourav Ganguly. Pathan believes that Ganguly, the side’s Director of Cricket, has better knowledge of local talent and could work with domestic players more effectively.
“Sourav Ganguly’s presence in the Delhi dugout is a big deal. I think if Dada is given the responsibility of coach as well, he can make a big difference in this team,” Pathan told Star Sports, adding: “Dada has knowledge of the psychology of Indian players. He knows how to run the dressing room and Delhi should definitely take advantage of that. At the time of the toss, Warner has said that his team has now started preparing for the next season and in this context, it would not be wrong to see Ganguly in a changed role.”
This suggestion comes after the Capitals’ underwhelming performance this season, which has led to criticism of their team management. The lack of form from Indian players such as Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan has caused the team to repeatedly rely on their overseas players. Although skipper David Warner, wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt, and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh have given the team some momentum with the bat, the middle order struggles once they depart.
However, DC’s Indian bowlers have been reasonably effective, with three of the team’s four wins this season occurring on the back of dominant bowling displays.