Dhawan Trade Sparks Rift Between Ganguly and Ponting
Former Delhi Capitals (DC) assistant coach Mohammad Kaif has shed light on a behind-the-scenes clash between DC’s then-head coach Ricky Ponting and Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly over Shikhar Dhawan’s transfer from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Ganguly favored bringing the seasoned opener back to DC, believing a strong Indian core was vital to winning the IPL title. Ponting, however, opposed the move, considering Dhawan past his prime.
“We were in a tough spot,” Kaif revealed in an interview. “Ganguly pushed hard for Dhawan’s return, but Ponting thought his career was over since he was dropped from the Indian team. During meetings, the discussion revolved around whether Dhawan could still deliver 500 runs in a season.”
David Warner’s Alleged Role in Dhawan’s Transfer
Kaif suggested that David Warner, who was with SRH at the time, may have influenced Ponting’s opinion against Dhawan. “Warner could have played a role in shaping the perception that Dhawan was no longer a great player. But Ganguly and [franchise co-owner] Parth Jindal backed Dhawan, and he returned to DC,” Kaif shared.
The decision proved pivotal. Dhawan not only silenced doubters but helped DC reach the IPL final that season. “Ponting might regret opposing the move, as we didn’t win a title under his coaching,” Kaif added.
Dhawan’s Stellar Performance with DC
Despite initial skepticism, Shikhar Dhawan delivered outstanding performances for Delhi Capitals. Over three seasons (2019–2021), he consistently crossed the 500-run mark:
| Season | Runs Scored | Average | Strike Rate |
| 2019 | 521 | 34.73 | 135.67 |
| 2020 | 618 | 44.14 | 144.73 |
| 2021 | 587 | 39.13 | 124.62 |
Dhawan’s consistency not only cemented his value as a top-order batsman but also vindicated Ganguly and Jindal’s decision to back him.
A Legacy of Missed Opportunities Under Ponting
Despite Dhawan’s strong performances and DC’s playoff appearances, the team failed to clinch the IPL title during Ricky Ponting’s tenure as head coach. Kaif hinted at the possibility that this strategic disagreement might have impacted the team’s potential. “Dhawan’s return turned out to be a great decision, but Ponting didn’t fully embrace it at first,” Kaif noted.
After Dhawan’s release before the IPL 2022 mega auction, the Capitals faced mixed results, raising questions about the team’s decision-making in player retention.
Shikhar Dhawan’s journey with DC exemplifies how internal team dynamics and strategic decisions can significantly influence the course of a franchise. While Dhawan’s success vindicated Ganguly’s vision, it also highlighted the complexities of managing star players and balancing diverse perspectives in a high-stakes tournament like the IPL.
