"It's our responsibility that the good environment stays intact"- DC assistant coach Ajit Agarkar

Former Indian seamer Ajit Agarkar has opined that the brilliant performances of the Delhi Capitals in the last three seasons are reflective of the excellent culture and environment that has been created by the franchise owners and the Ricky Ponting-led team management.

Delhi has been the most improved franchise over the course of the last four seasons. Since their group-stage exit in 2017, the Capitals have qualified for the playoffs in each of the previous three seasons, including a maiden final appearance back in 2020.

Agarkar, who was appointed assistant coach by the Capitals last month, believes that creating a healthy environment is one of the primary reasons people want to be associated with the franchise.

He also added that it's the responsibility of the new entrants to ensure that the environment remains intact.

"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." said Agarkar, as quoted by Sportstar.

Ponting has played a crucial role in creating such an environment, he also added.

"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,"

Meanwhile, former IPL winner and assistant coach of the Capitals, Shane Watson, is looking forward to working with young talents in the upcoming season.

"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." said Watson.

"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." he further added.

The Capitals will open their IPL 2022 campaign against the Mumbai Indians on March 27.