IPL 2013: Ricky Ponting appointed as captain of Mumbai Indians

Ricky Ponting has been appointed as the captain of Mumbai Indians for the sixth edition of IPL. The former Australia captain has been among the news as he signed a two-month deal to play for Surrey in June and July, which will be after IPL 2013. Mumbai Indians, one-time winner of the IPL, have replaced Harbhajan Singh with Ponting.

Ponting, who retired last year from international cricket was bought for $400,000 at the IPL player auction. There have been many speculations about Sachin Tendulkar being re-appointed as the captain of the Mumbai team, but the think tank of the team seems to be operating differently. With Ricky Ponting leading the team, there might be a chance of him opening the batting with Tendulkar.

Informing about the team’s decision to appoint Ponting as the captain, new mentor of the side, Anil Kumble said, “Ricky has a lot of experience to lead a competitive and a high-profile side like Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Sachin readily agreed to my suggestion that Mumbai Indians is best served when he leads the batting unburdened by the rigours of captaincy. It was Sachin’s and my idea to bring in Ricky as the captain of the Mumbai Indians.”

Ricky Ponting is reportedly looking forward for the opportunity to lead Mumbai Indians as he said, “It’s a huge honour and I thank Mrs Nita Ambani and the Mumbai Indians management for the faith they have reposed in my abilities. Mumbai Indians has the potent combination of Indian and international cricketers and I look forward to leading the team to play to its full potential.”

Ponting is not new to the scene of IPL as he made a brief appearance for Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural edition in 2008. Punter also plays for the Hobart Hurricanes in the KFC T20 Big Bash League.

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