After a long wait, IPL outfit go with Ponting as skipper ahead of Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma.
The decision from the Mumbai Indians to name former Australian captain Ricky Ponting as their skipper for the IPL has come as a shock.
Although Ponting has plenty of experience as a captain, many thought Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar would get the nod.
Mumbai Indians’ head coach John Wright and Tendulkar himself, went into consultation with newly appointed chief mentor Anil Kumble and the trio decided Ponting was the best candidate.
The side bought Ponting at the IPL auction last month for his base price of £255,000 and but some believed Ponting may struggle to find a team at all.
However, with his newly presented captaincy, the 38-year-old has the opportunity to play a big part in this year’s IPL.
“Mumbai Indians have the potent combination of Indian and international cricketers and I look forward to leading the team to play its full potential,” Ponting said to NDTV Sports.
The former Aussie captain previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, before signing for Mumbai this season.
Ponting will get his first opportunity to lead Mumbai on 4 April, when they travel to play their opening IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. It has been a busy week for the Australian, as it was also announced he would be playing for Surrey in the County Championship this summer, after the IPL has finished.
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