Mitchell Marsh is coming into IPL 2023 in his best form: Ricky Ponting

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has said Mitchell Marsh is coming into IPL 2023 in his best form. Marsh, who is a hard-hitter of the ball, has been in prolific form and he would want to carry the same for his franchise. The right-hander scored 194 runs in three ODI matches against India at an average of 97 and a strike rate of 131.08. Ergo, he was awarded the Player of the Series for his consistent performances at the top of the order.

Marsh had also played a key role in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph under the captaincy of Aaron Finch. Marsh has all the skills under his belt and he can be a game-changer for Delhi Capitals.

“He will be a top-order batter and all-rounder for us. I think he is coming into the tournament in the best form I have seen him in. He has got three-four months rest in Australia and recovered from the ankle surgery he had back in November (last year).”

“He has not bowled in games yet but he has been bowling for the past five-six weeks and by the time he gets with us, his role in our team will be to bowl some overs as well and he knows that and understands that.”

“In the ODI series (against India), we did see how destructive he can be and on a couple of occasions for DC last year, he played some match-winning knocks at number three. So, he’s a really important player for us as those world-class all-rounders are not easy to find and come across. I am hoping he has his best IPL season with us this year,” said Ponting during an event on Friday, March 24.

Meanwhile, David Warner will lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023 in the absence of Rishabh Pant. Ponting confirmed Warner will bat at the top of the order along with Prithvi Shaw.

“I don’t want him to bat at number four for us. He has been one of the most successful, if not the successful opener, in IPL history,” the Delhi coach said.

“I think we saw the games he played for DC last year. He was our leading run-scorer and there were a number of games that he won with his own batting. He is such a competitive guy, who is going at top of the order and you know he can take the game. He is skillful, experienced and he is now our leader. I will be very, very surprised if he bats anywhere other than opening the batting,” he added.

The former Australia skipper advised the young players to focus on the IPL 2023 and not think too far ahead to the World Cup.

“Ideally, anyone we bring into the Delhi Capitals franchise wants to play for India. We want them to have the drive and passion of the best that they can be and every time they get an opportunity to play for us, they win games for us. When you win games for Delhi, you are doing the right thing by giving yourself the best chance to be in that World Cup squad,” Ponting said.

“One thing I stress to the young guys is that if they start looking too far ahead and start thinking about World Cups. You got to be thinking about now and you have to start being in the present and play your role for the team. So, this is what I will say to the young guys in the Delhi Capitals. It’s my job to get these guys ready and win games for us. As far as the other selections (national) are concerned, it is completely out of my hands,” he added.

The Capitals will open their IPL 2023 campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on April 1.