Delhi Capitals’ (DC) inconsistent run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continue, and head coach Ricky Ponting is facing the brunt of the criticism. Despite years at the helm, DC remains trophyless, and their recent decision to drop Prithvi Shaw from the playing XI against Mumbai Indians (MI) has sparked debate.

Shaw, who has played a couple of decent knocks for DC this season, was visibly unhappy with his exclusion. Cameras captured an intense on-field conversation between him and Ponting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where the Australian coach appeared to be explaining the decision to a disgruntled Shaw.

Aakash Chopra and Suresh Raina express their concern over Prithvi Shaw’s exclusion

Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra expressed surprise at the public nature of the exchange. “There’s no reason for such discussions to happen on the field,” Chopra said on JioCinema. “If this was a last-minute call, it’s a big mismanagement. Such things should be communicated well in advance. Shaw was retained by the franchise and has performed decently, so his absence is baffling.”

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Suresh Raina, another former Indian player, echoed Chopra’s concerns. “Shaw deserved to know about his exclusion earlier,” Raina said on JioCinema. “Ponting’s conversation with him should have happened in private, not on the field. Pre-match meetings are for a reason. Was Shaw dropped, or is he injured? The lack of clarity is unacceptable.”

The incident has cast a shadow over DC’s campaign. With their title aspirations dwindling, Ponting’s coaching and team selection decisions are under heavy scrutiny.

Delhi Capitals lies at 6th position in IPL 2024 table

The team captained by Rishabh Pant currently holds the sixth spot in the IPL 2024 points table, leaving their playoff prospects in doubt. Out of the ten matches they’ve played, they have secured five wins and suffered five losses. To clinch a spot in the playoffs, they must win at least three more games and improve their net run rate (NRR).

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