IPL 2018: Shreyas Iyer in awe of Ricky Ponting's coaching style

Former Aussie legendary skipper Ricky Ponting has taken up the responsibilities of coaching Delhi Daredevils in the IPL this year. Although it’s been just a few days since Ponting took charge, it seems that he has already made a huge impact on the players. Ricky Ponting, who is also in the contention for Australia’s head coach role has earlier worked with the Mumbai Indians.

His stint with the Mumbai Indians was a highly successful one as he was an integral part in them winning two titles. He was roped in by the Delhi management to change their fortunes this year. This move is proving to be quite effective as Ponting already made quite an impression on the youngsters in Delhi Daredevils’ ranks. Ponting is a completely contrasting character to Rahul Dravid, who earlier worked with the franchise.

Win the trophy – Ricky Ponting

The charismatic Australian has kept the targets for the team simple- win the trophy. Young cricketer, Shreyas Iyer seems to be quite impressed with Ponting’s style of coaching. Iyer also praised Ponting for his aggressive attitude and believes that this will help to take the team forward.

“He is very aggressive and he’s got a positive frame of mind. When he came the first day, he gave a speech which almost gave us goosebumps. He said we are here to win, that is his natural frame of mind. He is not bothered about the process – everyone comes in and talks about the process and how to build up to the tournament but this guy, when he came in, he just wanted to win,” Shreyas Iyer said.

The contrast, clearly, with Dravid’s methods is stark and Iyer admitted as much. “There are a lot of youngsters in the team who like freedom and Ponting made us feel we have total freedom to go out and express ourselves. Rahul Dravid is calmer, he likes to be in the process and nurture the kids, he is more like grooming the youngsters. Ricky obviously is the opposite,” he declared.

Iyer also noted that Ponting brought in an Australian-like culture to the dressing room. “He is aggressive but also gives freedom, he asks us to play our own game so we don’t have to change our technique or skill on how to go about the game.”

Another youngster, Vijay Shankar said that the atmosphere was similar to that of the Indian team. “What is more important is how we do well for the team. If we can get something from him and keep winning matches; that will be the best thing for us,” he added.

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