IPL 2022: Ricky Ponting’s pep talk gave Delhi Capitals confidence, says Axar Patel
India Today
IPL 2022: Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel was all praise for head coach Ricky Ponting after his team completed a 9-wicket win over Punjab Kings at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday.
Delhi Capitals star Axar Patel revealed how head coach Ricky Ponting's message had charged up the entire squad before the match against Punjab Kings on Wednesday.
Delhi Capitals won the game against Punjab Kings by 9 wickets after chasing down a target of 115 as PBKS were bowled out in 10.3 overs. David Warner scored 60 runs off just 30 deliveries (unbeaten) while DC all-rounder Axar Patel (2/10) starred for the franchise in the bowling attack, with the lowest economy rate of 2.50 and 2 dismissals.
This was DC’s third win in six matches so far in IPL 2022, and they are sitting in 6th place with six points in the table. Patel was all praise for Ponting, saying that he helped the team focus on playing the game and be committed to the effort when the team practiced after a couple of days of quarantine.
''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,'' Patel told reporters in the post-match virtual press conference.
Delhi Capitals had a COVID-19 outbreak in their team when philanthropist Patrick Farhart tested positive on 15th April, followed by the team masseuse the next day.
Delhi Capitals’ wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert tested positive on Wednesday, ahead of the game against Punjab Kings at the MCA Stadium Pune that was later shifted to Brabourne Stadium. The game was given the go-ahead an hour before its scheduled time.
''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,'' Axar Patel added.
