XtraTime Web Desk: Indian test vice captain Ajinkya Rahane looks up to Rahul Dravid for inspiration. Very few know that he also look up to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting when it comes to batting. The Mumbai batsman is picking the brains of Delhi Capital’s Head Coach Ponting during the net sessions in Dubai.
Rahane, who is trying to revive his white ball career is excited at the prospect of working under another Ponting at Delhi Capitals nets.
Following his switch to Delhi Capitals, the 32-year-old had expressed his desire to work with the former Australian captain, who is coach of the franchise.
Rahane’s wish got fulfilled as he have one of the finest batsman in world cricket to help him with his techniques. As the Capitals prepare for this season’s IPL in the UAE, Rahane got the golden opportunity to work under the Aussie great.
Rahane spent a fair share of the net session under the watchful eyes of Ponting, at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai.
Ponting gave Rahane a few tips with regard to his stance and grip as well as his backlift. As Rahane punched one off the backfoot, Ponting, who was witnessing from close quarters, said: “Beautiful, Jinks.”
Ponting gave Rahane another tip about the length and where he could hit that and the latter followed that to the ‘T,’ whipping one onto the onside. To which, Ponting remarked: “Shot, mate.”
Rahane later tweeted: “So much to learn @RickyPonting.”
Rahane is 11th on the all-time list of run-getters with 3,820 from 140 matches, with two centuries and 27 fifties. His highest score is 105 not out which he scored last season.
The Delhi Capitals start their campaign in IPL 2020 against Kings XI Punjab at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 20.