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In a latest development, former Australian captain and great Ricky Ponting has been roped in by Punjab Kings (PBKS) as their head coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Recently, Ponting was sacked as the head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) after they failed to make the playoffs in the 2024 season. He was at their helm for a long period of seven years but failed to guide them to the elusive IPL trophy.
With this move, Ponting is set to be the sixth head coach that PBKS has appointed in the last seven seasons. Their best finish came in 2014 when they made the final but failed to cross the line. Punjab has made the playoffs ever since and finished ninth in the 2024 edition.
With Ricky Ponting now coming into their setup, they will have their hopes high on the Australian to lead them to their maiden IPL title.
Ahead of yet another IPL season set to commence soon, here are three reasons why PBKS appointing Ricky Ponting as their head coach is the right move.
#3 Ricky Ponting comes with extensive coaching experience in the IPL
Ricky Ponting, as known by all, is not new to the head coach role in the IPL. He was associated with the Delhi Capitals for a long stint of seven years. Ponting took over as their head coach in the 2018 season. While he could not bring about a change in their fortunes immediately, better results came eventually.
His long association with Delhi as their head coach shows his extensive experience in the role. Familiarity with Indian conditions, with the experience of working and interacting with Indian players, comes as an added advantage.
Further, his understanding of the league and the system over a long period only adds to why having Ponting as their head coach could prove to be the right choice.
#2 Ponting helped Delhi Capitals perform better after taking over as head coach
Under Ponting, DC made their first-ever playoff appearance after seven years in 2019. Their most successful season yet, came in 2020 where they entered the final for the first time, although falling short of winning the title.
They made the playoffs once again in 2021. While the last three seasons have been disappointing, Delhi made significant progress under Ponting.
PBKS, who are in a similar state as DC were back in 2018, will hope that the Australian great can uplift the side as he did with the Delhi franchise after taking over. He played a key role in transforming Delhi into a side that is now looked upon as a fierce competitor.
#1 Nurturing young Indian talent and building a core
Ricky Ponting has always had a liking for young talent and is known for giving upcoming players the confidence that they need to express themselves on the field.
Several young Indian players have grown and nourished under Ponting at the Delhi Capitals over the years. The likes of Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant among others thrived under his guidance.
The current PBKS setup consists of several young talented Indian players such as Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, and Ashutosh Sharma among others.
With Ponting's arrival, PBKS will hope that this set of youngsters can be well groomed keeping in mind the future of the franchise.
