IPL 2023: “Our Fielding after the First Four Overs Was Really Sloppy” – Ricky Ponting

Delhi Capitals had a poor start to the ongoing IPL 2023 as they faced a 50-run defeat in their opening game against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday (April 1). And, head coach Ricky Ponting shared his views after their rather forgettable defeat as well.

However, one of the major talking points of the game was the catch that Khaleel Ahmed dropped off Kyle Mayers who went on to play a match-winning 38-ball 73 comprised of seven sixes. His stunning knock proved important for his side to post a well above-par total.

“To be totally honest, I think they got more runs than they probably should have,” said Ricky Ponting after the game. “I don’t think we helped ourselves in the field today. Our fielding after the first four overs was really sloppy. A couple of chances went down, a few misfields. One of those chances that went down was Mayers’, who ended up going on a bit of a run after that, which put us behind the game a little bit.”

However, it was in the final over of the PowerPlay when Mayers completely miscued one shot towards the third man where Khaleel put down an easy catch. He was only on 14 then, with the team scoring on 26 and by the time he was dismissed, he had left his side in a relatively comfortable position as well.

The thing with giving chances in the IPL is you’re giving very good players a second opportunity. And he cashed in. For pretty much from that moment on, he hit everything in the middle. He attacked our spin, which he played really well. So that’s just a good lesson for us,” Ricky Ponting again admitted. “We know that we have to be really sharp in the field. You can’t afford to put chances down, and if you do, you have to expect that they’re going to make you pay. There are a few reasons why we lost the game, and we’ll address those and hopefully improve for our next game.”

However, Lucknow batters’ six-hitting ability was another main factor in their batting with as many as 16 sixes hit – a huge stat as only five fours were hit as well.

“He bowled the way we thought he would bowl” – Ricky Ponting said about Mark Wood

“Looking at the wicket today, I didn’t think it was a 190-plus wicket. There was a lot of dew there. If anything, on that wicket, it was probably better for us batting second. I think we conceded 16 sixes in our bowling innings. That goes to show that we were a fair bit off with our execution with our bowling. Whenever you’re giving up 16 sixes, and there’s only five fours, which is quite remarkable. So, whenever you’re giving up that many, it’s going to be hard to drag yourself back into the game,” the head coach again shared.

Meanwhile, Ponting also applauded pacer Mark Wood whose stunning five-wicket haul dismantled Delhi’s run chase from the beginning. He used his pace and lengths to good effect as well.

“He bowled the way we thought he would bowl,” Ricky Ponting said about Wood. “We know he will run in and bowl fast; we know he will run in and attack the stumps and use his bouncer. That’s what he did. He got those couple of bowleds and used his bouncer really well. He’s a world-class fast bowler. As this tournament goes on, if he stays fit, you will see him bowl some really fast spells.”

Delhi Capitals’ next match will be their first home game of the season as they take on the defending champions Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 4 as well.