IPL 2016: Ricky Ponting does not believe in using a coaching manual

Mumbai Indians head coach Ricky Ponting said that he does not believe in using a coaching manual and that he always goes by his instincts when it comes to taking decisions for the team. Ponting, who was handed over the position in 2015, coached the team to their second title win in that edition.

The former Australian captain feels that his understanding of the game has been advantageous to the team.

"It's all about gut feel. I have a good understanding of the game and what we need at different times. Little things that we've done in this tournament, like having Mitchell McClenaghan to bat at No.4 in the second game at Kolkata. That was just to go out and change the momentum against the spinners.

"While these things are happening, the coaching staff is always out there, watching from the sidelines on how to improvise constantly. The idea is to keep figuring what is needed and find solutions. For me, there is no coaching manual," said the ex-Australian skipper, in an interview with The Times of India.

He said that one of the greatest challenges he faced in the IPL was breaking cultural barriers among players from different continents. He also added that he has always encouraged players to talk up not just about the game, but also about themselves, as he feels that would help bring the team closer.

He also heaped praise on the team's captain Rohit Sharma for his leadership qualities and told that he is one of the specialists in the shortest format of the game. "To top it, he's one of the best players in this format and I think we've seen that quite often through this tournament once again.

"In a format like this, one needs a strong leader because quick, strong decisions have to be taken constantly and Rohit is a great choice for us. Tactically how a captain makes a difference matters a lot and all I could say is that Rohit is very much in tune with that," he said.

On being asked what his opinion was on coaching in the longer format, he said that it would probably be easier than devising a plan for T20 games.

"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. 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."

After their 85-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 8, Mumbai Indians are currently sitting fifth on the points table and are in the run to make it to the playoffs.