'He has always been an incredible leader and mentor' - Shane Watson lavish praises on DC head coach

As the clock turns 7:30 pm on March 26, 2022, IPL fever will grip the fans, starting with the opening clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

After the mega auction reshuffled the players, all the franchises witnessed significant changes in their squad. Delhi Capitals (DC) are also filled with many new faces in terms of players and their coaching staff.

The Delhi-based team roped in the services of Shane Watson and Ajit Agarkar. The former cricketers will serve as the assistant coaches for the side in the 15th edition of the glitterati league. 

Watson, who has been a prominent member of many IPL franchises, talked about donning the new role. The Australian showered praises on DC head coach and his former teammate Ricky Ponting, mentioning him as the motivating factor behind his decision of taking up the opportunity.

"The thing about coaching that excites me the most is the chance to help people become better versions of themselves. The chance of working with Ricky was not something I was going to let go of. He has always been an incredible leader and mentor for me," Watson said as quoted in an official Delhi Capitals release.

Further, the 40-year-old spoke about working with DC players and guiding them in the best possible way.

"There are a lot of exciting young talents in the Delhi Capitals. I have played with Sarfaraz Khan and Mandeep Singh and I am super excited to reconnect and work with them in a different capacity. Lalit Yadav is another really exciting player that I have seen during training. But I am here to help everyone and I am excited about this opportunity," he added.

Ajit Agarkar, who is also the assistant coach of the Capitals, did not shy away from applauding Ponting.

"Ricky Ponting is a big factor behind a lot of people wanting to work in this team. I've been fortunate enough to play against him a few times and I have also played IPL with him. I have known him for a long time. And I know how much the young players enjoy working with Ricky.

"It's been excellent to be in the Delhi Capitals camp. There are a lot of young players in the side. I could see from the outside that the DC management has created a nice environment around the team and that shows in the franchise's success. There are a lot of new faces that have joined the team, including me, and it's our responsibility that the good environment stays intact," Agarkar asserted.

Delhi Capitals will start their campaign against the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), on March 27.