T20 format is the hardest to coach, things are happening by the ball: Ricky Ponting

MUMBAI INDIANS COACH RICKY PONTING does not believe in following coaching manuals and instead trusts his gut to improvise strategies from the side-lines.

In an interview with cricbuzz, the former Australian captain said,

“No, I don't. It's all about gut feel. I have a good understanding of the game and what we need at different times. The idea is to keep figuring what is needed and find solutions. For me, there is no coaching manual.”

The Aussie stalwart, who orchestrated a title win in his debut season as MI's coach, is having a tough time helping his side defend it. Comparing with Test cricket, the 41-year-old pointed out the difficulties faced while coaching during the shorter format of the game. Ponting admitted that he was ready to coach in the longer format too. 

“That would probably be easier. This is the hardest format to coach. In T20, things are happening by the ball and you have to be so well planned. Test cricket is a tactical game but it's played over five days where, even if you're down on day one, you have the space to bounce back. More importantly, in Test cricket, you're working on one set plan for a longer period of time. Here, it's every ball. As a coach you can't afford to have any one thing that could surprise you in the game.”