Ponting named Delhi Daredevils coach

Australian Test cricketer Ricky Ponting announces his retirement during a press conference on the eve of the third cricket Test between South Africa and Australia in Perth on November 29, 2012. Ponting on November 29 called time on his Test career, announcing this week's clash against South Africa in Perth will be his last. IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE AFP PHOTO / Greg WOODRicky Ponting

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was on Thursday appointed coach of the Delhi Daredevils franchise for the upcoming Indian Premier League.

The announcement was made by Delhi Daredevils (DD) CEO Hemant Dua as he welcomed the three-time World Cup winner.

Ponting takes over the reins at DD from former India captain Rahul Dravid, who had stepped down after the previous season owing to BCCI's conflict-of-interest regulations.

Dravid chose to coach India 'A' and India Under-19 teams over the IPL franchise.

"Ricky Ponting has been appointed as head coach. We will have a new coach and a new team with the idea of having continuity. We have retained two youngsters and the whole team will be built around them. Chris Morris is a top all rounder," Daredevils CEO Hemant Dua said.

The 43-year-old has earlier coached Mumbai Indians for two seasons in 2015 (when they won the title) and 2016.

Apart from coaching role, Ponting has played in the cash-rich T20 tournament for Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians.

Ponting will be assisting the current head coach Darren Lehman in Australia's T20 tri-series against England and New Zealand in February.

Delhi retained Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Chris Morris ahead of the IPL auctions to be held on January 27-28.