IPL 2018: Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils eye Aussie legend Ricky Ponting as coach

Mumbai: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is rumoured to make his comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 season as coach. After leading the Mumbai Indians to glory during the 2015 edition, the Aussie legend is now being linked with franchisees Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals.

"Ponting is most likely to be signed up by the Daredevils as their next coach. However, apart from the Daredevils, he's also being wooed by the Rajasthan Royals (who'll return to the IPL after a two-year ban due to the spot-fixing scandal)," a source watching from close quarters was quoted saying by the Times of India.

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Despite failing to win anything as a player, the 42-year-old enjoyed a successful stint as coach in 2015 before he was replaced by former Sri Lankan batting ace Mahela Jayawardena. Ponting was also instrumental in the grooming of young guns such as like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Jos Buttler, Unmukt Chand and Nitish Rana.

Earlier this year, the 2003 and 2007 World Cup winning skipper was also a member of the Australian coaching staff for the Sri Lanka series.

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According to the 2018 IPL retention policy, newcomers Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, who are making a comeback after two years following a spot-fixing scandal in 2015 will be given the first priority to retain their old players. The Royals, who were crowned winners in the inaugural edition are eyeing the Australian as a replacement for Paddy Upton, who coached Delhi Daredevils during their absence.