Former Delhi Capitals coach, Ricky Ponting has been appointed as the head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
This announcement comes just over two months after Ponting parted ways with the Delhi Capitals, where he had a successful seven-year stint.
His new role marks a fresh chapter for both Ponting and the Punjab franchise, which has struggled to find consistent success in the Indian Premier League.
A New Era for Punjab Kings
Ponting’s appointment is a strategic move for Punjab Kings, who have seen a revolving door of coaches in recent years.
He becomes the sixth head coach in the last seven seasons, following Trevor Bayliss, who was at the helm for the past two years.
Under Bayliss, Punjab finished ninth in the 2024 season and has not made the playoffs since their runner-up finish in 2014.
The franchise’s management hopes that Ponting’s extensive experience and tactical acumen will help turn around their fortunes.
Contract Details and Immediate Goals
Ricky Ponting has signed a four-year contract that will see him lead PBKS until 2028. His immediate task will involve assessing the current squad and determining which players to retain ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2025.
The franchise is keen on building a competitive team that can challenge for the title, and Ponting’s insights will be crucial in identifying talent during this critical phase.
In his statement regarding the appointment, Ponting expressed excitement about joining Punjab Kings.
“I am grateful to Punjab Kings for presenting me with this opportunity. I had great conversations with the owners and management about our vision for the team. We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with us over the years,” he said.
Past Success and Expectations
During his time with Delhi Capitals, Ponting transformed the team into a formidable force, leading them to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2019 to 2021, including a maiden final in 2020.
His coaching style is characterized by nurturing young talent and fostering strong relationships with players, which will be essential as he looks to build a cohesive unit at Punjab.
Punjab Kings boasts a strong core of players, including Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Sam Curran, and Liam Livingstone.
However, they have often struggled to convert potential into results on the field. The franchise’s management believes that Ponting’s leadership can help unlock their full potential.
