Ricky Ponting has his say in deciding the venues for Delhi Daredevils games

As per reports, organizers had recognized Lucknow and Raipur as the two away-home grounds of the Delhi Daredevils. In the past too the team has played a few matches in the Chhattisgarh capital but couldn’t attract much crowd due to the neutrality in the venue. This year, Delhi will not play any home matches outside of the Feroz Shah Kotla in their home city.

Every year, a few of the home games are played at away venues to keep IPL fever intact throughout the country and not just in the home grounds of the eight teams. For example, Kings XI Punjab will be playing only three games in Mohali because of maintenance work at the Chandigarh airport.

Kotla should be the team’s Den

The decision to play Delhi’s home games only at the Kotla was made by their coach Ricky Ponting. “Kotla should be Delhi’s den. Everyone should fear entering it. Delhi should be based out of one home centre,” Ponting told the officials as reported by TOI.

Reports also suggest that the franchise wanted to play at least their two home games outside Delhi and Lucknow was being considered as one of their probable away grounds. But the management didn’t want to go against the former Australian captain’s wish. This was probably decided to get a larger fan base for Delhi, who need a lot of support to be able to win their maiden title this year.

Gambhir-Ponting can bring glory to Delhi

Delhi will be captained by two-time trophy winning captain Gautam Gambhir this year, which gives them an upper rank over the other teams. Gambhir has been one of the best IPL captains, and given his passion for his home team, the Delhiite will give in his all to lead the side to a title triumph. Besides, both the coach and the captain, Ponting and Gambhir, are eager-beavers and together in each others partnership can create magic.

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