DC’s Ishant discloses a special kinship with ‘older brother’ Ricky Ponting

Ishant Sharma, a veteran India and DC fast bowler, opened up about his relationship with head coach Ricky Ponting following his match-winning spell against LSG in IPL 2024 Match 64.

In Briefly, 

• Ishant Sharma bowled a match-winning stint against LSG.
• Ishant discusses his relationship with Ponting. 
• DC finished fifth on the points standings.

Ishant Sharma, DC’s fast bowler, spoke on his relationship with head coach Ricky Ponting following his match-winning performance against LSG in IPL Match 64 2024. Notably, the towering seamer recorded 3/34 in four overs, taking significant wickets from Quinton de Kock (12 off 8), KL Rahul (5 off 3), and Deepak Hooda (0 off 2).

The experienced seamer was named Player of the Match after DC won their last league match. After his outstanding bowling performance, Ishant was praised by head coach Ponting, with whom he had several memorable bouts on the pitch.

Ponting praised the Indian seamer, recalling their struggles and discussing their brotherhood.

“We were furious rivals on the pitch, as you would expect from a young Indian fast bowler early in his Test career attempting to battle. He granted me one day of employment at the WACA before letting me go. It’s been a pleasure coaching and working with him. He’s a fantastic man, and we’ve become really close. We have enormous regard for one another. In a video published by the IPL, Ponting stated, “He’s been a terrific leader of this bowling attack for the last four, five years.”

Later on in the video, Ishant discussed his friendship with Ponting and He dubbed him his older brother.

We’re not coach and player anymore, Ishant.

“We are no longer coach and player; he is like an elder brother to me. He is always available when I need him, and I can call him at any moment.I believe it’s fantastic to have him as a coach. If you have someone like him who encourages you to keep trying new things, don’t be worried if you don’t succeed,” said Ishant.

Ishant helped DC defend a mammoth 208 as they defeated LSG by 19 runs and ended sixth on the points table with 14 points. The 34-year-old concluded the season with ten wickets in nine matches, an average of 26.50 and an economy rate of 9.81. DC’s hopes for qualification are currently dependent on the outcomes of SRH, LSG, RCB, and CSK.