IND vs ENG: Ricky Ponting defeated Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, Duo left few wickets for IPL 2021

Former Australia captain and Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting on Monday teased all-rounder Axar Patel and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who performed brilliantly for India in the recent Test series against England. Axar and Ashwin together took 59 wickets in the four-match Test series against England, which India won 3–1. While Axar became the joint highest wicket-taker in the debut Test series for India, Ashwin finished with 32 scalps, the highest in the series by any bowler. Ponting is hoping that the spin duo have a few wickets left in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

If Axar and Ashwin – who both play for the Delhi Capitals – play with the ball, wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant scored a century against England in the fourth and final Test match that India won on Saturday in Ahmedabad.

The head coach of the Delhi Capitals wanted to see Pant imitating his valor in the cash-rich league starting on 9 April.

“Can’t wait to visit @delhicapums and get to work. Hope @ akshar2026 and @ ashwinravi99 have a few wickets left after taking all of these last month, and have more runs to make @ rishabhpant17! ” Ponting tweeted.

Can’t wait to get on @delhicapicles And get to work. Hope @ Letter 2024 And @ ashwinravi99 There are a few wickets left after taking them all in the last month, and @Rishabhpant1ant Have to score more runs! https://t.co/5Q8btBhjqq

– Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) March 8, 2021

The IPL Governing Council on Sunday announced for IPL 14 to be held across India from 9 April at six locations.

The defending champions will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai in the Mumbai Indians tournament opener.

Promoted

Each team is set to play in four places during the league stage. Out of 56 league matches, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru will each host 10 matches, while Ahmedabad and Delhi will each host 8 matches.

One of the highlights of this edition of the IPL will be the fact that all matches will be played at neutral venues, with no team playing at their home venue. All teams will play four of the six spots during the league stage.