Ricky Ponting unleashes amid unusual IPL controversy as cricket fans call out coach

Former Aussie cricket captain Ricky Ponting was visibly confused and frustrated as he called out officials to question the Rajasthan Royals over a rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Delhi Capitals coach Ponting was left seeking answers and interrupted the match as the Royals defeated his team by 12 runs in a close clash that went down to the final over.

The controversy started when South Africa’s Nandre Burger replaced West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer as the impact fielder. However, Ponting was left perplexed when West Indies player Rovman Powell also entered the game as a substitute fielder for Indian star Riyan Parag.

The rule states only four overseas players are allowed to take part in the match in the IPL. A fifth overseas player can enter the contest as a substitute fielder if they replace another overseas signing. Ponting presumably questioned the rule when noticing the substitution and could be seen holding up play and speaking to officials after the move.

While Ponting was adamant, the Royals had only named three overseas players in their starting XI. This allows the team to use four overseas players as fielders. “If the team names the maximum four overseas players in its starting XI, an overseas player may only take the field as a substitute fielder if the player that he is replacing is an overseas player,” the rule states.

“If the team names less than four overseas players in its starting XI, overseas players may only enter the field of play as substitute fielders to the extent that by doing so, they do not take the total number of overseas players representing that team on the field to more than four.” While the drama was resolved after a short break, Ponting didn't escape criticism from fans after a second straight loss to start the campaign.

Ricky Ponting under fire after Delhi Capitals loss

Regardless of Ponting's interuption, the former Aussie captain appears to be under pressure having started off the season with two losses as coach. And despite Mitchell Marsh and David Warner helping the Capitals to a strong start, the team wasn't able to solidify the opening partnership.

Warner smashed five fours and three sixes in his 49 off 34 balls. While fellow Aussie Marsh hit 23 off 12 balls to start the innings. But no one else maintained the same fight as the Capitals fell short of Rajasthan's 5-185.

The Capitals needed 61 off four overs, before Tristan Stubbs blasted three sixes and two boundaries. Unfortunately for the Capitals, the Royals were excellent in the last over and they fell 12 runs short. Fans were left frustrated having opened the season with a second straight defeat. Many questioned Ponting's team selection and his coaching style with players failing to fire.