IPL 2024: DC's Ishant Sharma reveals special bond with ‘elder brother’ Ricky Ponting
Veteran India and DC fast bowler Ishant Sharma opened up on his relationship with head coach Ricky Ponting after his match-winning spell against LSG during Match 64 of IPL 2024.
In Short
- Ishant Sharma bowled match winning spell vs LSG
- Ishant opens up on his bond with Ponting
- DC finish on fifth spot on points table
DC fast bowler Ishant Sharma opened up on his relationship with head coach Ricky Ponting after his match-winning spell against LSG in Match 64 of IPL 2024. Notably, the towering seamer registered figures of 3/34 in four overs and got big scalps of Quinton de Kock (12 off 8), KL Rahul (5 off 3) and Deepak Hooda (0 off 2).
The veteran seamer was adjudged Player of the Match as DC won their last league fixture. Following his marvellous bowling display, Ishant was lauded by head coach Ponting, against whom he had several memorable battles on the field. Appreciating the India seamer, Ponting recalled their battles and spoke about the camaraderie the duo share.
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“We were fierce competitors on the field as you would expect a young Indian fast bowler early on in his Test career trying to pull up a fight. He gave me bit of a working one day at the WACA before he eventually got me out. It’s been a pleasure to coach and work with him. He’s a great guy, we’ve actually become very close. We’ve got great respect for one another. He’s been a terrific leader of this bowling attack for the last four five years,” said Ponting in a video shared by IPL.
Further ahead in the video, Ishant also spoke about his relationship with Ponting and called him his elder brother.
We’re not coach and player anymore: Ishant
“We’re not coach and player anymore, he’s a kind of elder brother to me. He’s always there whenever I need him, I can call him anytime.I think it’s very great to have him as a coach. If you have someone like him who really pushes you to keep on trying new things and don’t be afraid if you don’t do well,” said Ishant.
Ishant helped DC defend a massive score of 208 as they beat LSG by 19 runs and finished on the fifth spot on points table with 14 points to their name. The 34-year-old finished the season with ten wickets from nine matches at an average of 26.50 and an economy of 9.81. DC's hopes of qualification are now pinned on the results of SRH, LSG, RCB and CSK.