Mumbai: After spending two seasons in the team as a player, Australia’s two-time World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting was yesterday appointed head coach of Mumbai Indians ahead of Indian Premier League 8 in place of John Wright.
Ponting, one of international cricket’s most successful captains with 48 victories in 77 Tests, worked as an advisor to Mumbai as they finished fourth last season but this will be his first head coaching role.
Ponting was associated with Mumbai Indians as a captain and player in IPL 6 and will have an enlarged role from the upcoming season.
Wright, who was the team’s coach for season 6 and 7 is now tasked with evaluating and establishing a youth development organisation and will be working closely with the MI management on talent scouting for the team.
“We are delighted to have Ricky back with us and look forward to his contribution based on his experience and expertise,” former India spin bowler Anil Kumble, who is part of the Mumbai Owners Group, said in a statement on the club’s website, www.mumbaiindians.com
Agencies
