 "IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting sets bold vision for Punjab Kings, aims to build ‘greatest team’ in IPL history")
Punjab Kings’ newly appointed head coach Ricky Ponting is brimming with confidence ahead of the IPL 2025 season . Speaking at an event at the new PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, the former Australian captain made a bold statement, asserting that his goal is to build the greatest Punjab Kings team to have ever played in the IPL.
With the tournament beginning on Saturday, 22 March, Ponting emphasised the winning mindset and team culture he wants to instill in the squad. The World Cup-winning skipper believes that Punjab Kings have assembled a strong unit and is backing them to go all the way and lift the IPL 2025 trophy this year around.
“The overall vision for this team is to win the IPL. I told the guys on the very first day when I joined the camp in Dharamshala that we were going to create and become the greatest Punjab Kings team that’s ever played. That’s the journey we’re on, and that doesn’t happen overnight,” Ponting said.
“Winning is really an attitude thing. If we turn up to play and the opposition turns up to play, if they want to beat us, then it feels like they’re taking something away from us—and I don’t want to let anyone take anything away from me or my team.”
Young stars impress Ponting
The new Punjab Kings coach is also keeping a close eye on emerging talents within the squad. He specifically mentioned Priyansh Arya, Suryansh Shedge, and Musheer Khan as young players who have impressed him during training.
“Priyansh Arya is a very special potential opening batsman for us going forward. Depending on our overseas combination, he’s very exciting. Suryansh Shedge has also been impressive.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHe also heaped praise on Musheer Khan, who has impressed everyone in age-group cricket and domestic arena.
“When I talk about energy and fun, another player I am impressed with is Musheer Khan. He has an infectious attitude, and around the training ground and the team so far, he’s been someone I’ve really enjoyed working with.”
Ponting further explained how overseas players would play a key role in setting the tone for the squad this year. Out of the eight overseas players that a team is allowed to pick in the IPL, Ponting’s PBKS have bought five Australians.
“I put a lot of responsibility on the overseas players to ensure they set the right example. A lot of young Indian domestic players look up to them, and if they aren’t doing the right thing, it becomes easy for the younger guys to follow suit. So I empower the overseas players to lead the way.”
Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 schedule
Punjab Kings will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans on 25 March at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Their first home game at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh, will be on 30 March against Rajasthan Royals, followed by a high-profile clash against Chennai Super Kings on 5 April.
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