Ricky Ponting joins Mumbai Indians in IPL 7 as an 'advisor'

Ricky Ponting will be joining Mumbai Indians in an ‘advisory role’

Retired Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has returned to the Mumbai Indians dressing room, this time in an ‘advisory role’.

Ponting was bought by Mumbai Indians last season as a player, though he appeared in only 6 matches in the season where Mumbai went on to win their maiden IPL title. Despite much fanfare around the famed batting partnership at the top with Sachin Tendulkar, it was a failed outing for Ponting with the bat for Mumbai Indians. He scored 52 runs in 6 matches at an average of 10.40 and strike rate of 69.33.

After leading the side in the first few matches, he handed the baton of captaincy to Rohit Sharma. Despite his lack of contribution with the bat on the field, the franchise praised his efforts behind the scenes in grooming the youngsters.

Starting from where he left last season, Ponting will be helping the youngsters in Mumbai Indians during the last two matches in UAE leg.

“I am looking forward to working with Mumbai Indians once again,” Ricky was quoted as saying by Mumbai Indians’ official site after his arrival in Dubai.

“I had a fantastic season last summer and understand how passionate our players are towards the franchise. I believe we have the fire in us and we will strive hard to put our best.”

With Sachin Tendulkar already present on the sidelines to guide the team, Ponting’s arrival will provide morale boost to the side which has lost all its first 3 matches this season.