Punjab Kings (PBKS) have appointed Ricky Ponting as their new head coach on a four-year contract ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
Ponting, who previously coached Delhi Capitals for seven seasons, faces the challenge of turning around PBKS’s fortunes after their underwhelming performances in recent years.
Here are three reasons why Ponting can help save PBKS’s sinking ship:
1. Proven track record of nurturing young talent
Ponting is widely regarded for his ability to inspire young talent and his professionalism.
Under his guidance at Delhi Capitals, the team discovered two world-class talents in Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom reached new heights in their careers.
Ponting adopts a hands-on approach, taking rookies out for breakfast to provide personal advice and guidance.
He sets a strong example by being the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. This ability to develop cricketing and leadership skills will play a crucial role in PBKS’s success.
2. Experience in guiding teams to success
During his tenure with Delhi Capitals from 2018 to 2024, Ponting led the team to the playoffs in three consecutive seasons and their first-ever IPL final in 2020.
Although they struggled to maintain that success in the last three seasons, Ponting’s experience in guiding teams to success cannot be overlooked.
Before joining Delhi Capitals, Ponting was the coach of Mumbai Indians and took them to the IPL title in 2015.
He was also part of MI’s maiden title-winning campaign in 2013. This experience of winning championships will be invaluable for PBKS as they aim to lift their first IPL trophy.
3. Fresh vision and alignment with franchise’s goals
Ponting had great conversations with the PBKS owners and management about the way forward and was truly elated to see the alignment of their visions for the team.
This shared vision and commitment to success will be crucial in driving PBKS’s transformation.
“We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward,” Ponting said, expressing his determination to turn things around.
With a mega auction on the horizon, Ponting’s biggest assignment will be to identify the right group of players to build a strong core for PBKS.
His ability to spot and nurture talent, combined with his experience in guiding teams to success, makes him the ideal candidate to lead PBKS’s resurgence in IPL 2025 and beyond.
