After a comfortable seven-wicket over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 29 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2021), Delhi Capitals (DC) batsman Shimron Hetmyer revealed that their head coach Ricky Ponting always backs his players.
“I have been here for just two seasons, from being here for two years, Ricky Ponting has helped in terms of positivity. He has given everyone the freedom to express themselves in the best possible fashion. He is always there to back you and push you to do your best. That is one of the things I like about him,” Hetmyer told ANI.
With this win, DC got to 12 points in 8 matches and went to the top of the table.
“This year really, it's knowing that I have the backing of the team really. It's like being comfortable and being in an environment where everyone is your friend, it is just about expressing yourself. I am not thinking too much about the past years,” the left-hand batsman said.
“Last year it was just a matter of the guys doing well at the top, so I was not getting that many chances but this year, it's probably the same, but I am having the chances to finish off the games,” he added.
When asked about adjusting to different venues in the IPL, the 24-year-old said, “I do not think it is that challenging because everyone who is playing in the IPL has played international cricket before so they are able to adjust. It is about going out there and assessing the conditions and playing accordingly.”
After PBKS, DC is scheduled to take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday (8 May) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad which might be rescheduled owing to COVID-19.
(With ANI inputs)
