Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in Punjab Kings’ squad for IPL 2025, emphasizing a winning mindset and balanced team dynamics.
Punjab Kings’ head coach Ricky Ponting is optimistic about his team’s prospects in IPL 2025, aiming to build the “greatest Punjab Kings team” to clinch their first title. Speaking at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, Ponting highlighted the balanced mix of young talent and experienced players in the squad.
“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 played. That’s the journey that we’re on and that doesn’t happen overnight. You’ve got to create that,” Ponting stated.
Ponting stressed the importance of maintaining a winning attitude and fostering a positive team culture. “Winning is really an attitude thing. If we turn up to play, the opposition turns up to play, if they want to beat us, then it feels like they’re taking something away and I don’t want to let anyone take anything away from me or take anything away from my team,” he added.
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The former Australian captain also praised youngsters like Priyansh Arya and Suryansh Shedge, who have impressed during training sessions. “Priyansh Arya, I think is a very special potential opening batsman for us going forward in the tournament. Depending on which way we go with our overseas make-up, he’s very exciting. Suryansh Shedge is also someone who has been very impressive in our training so far,” Ponting noted.
Ponting singled out Musheer Khan for his infectious energy, stating, “When I talk about energy and fun, another player that I am impressed with, is Musheer Khan. He’s brought a lot to the group already. He has got an infectious attitude, and around the training ground and around the team so far, he’s been someone that I’ve really enjoyed working with.”
Ponting emphasized the role of experienced overseas players in setting an example for younger Indian players. “I put a lot of the bait on them to ensure that they’re setting the right example. Because a lot of the young domestic Indian players look up to the overseas boys and if the overseas boys aren’t doing the right thing, then it’s easy for the young Indian guys to not do the right thing either. So I empower the overseas guys to be the leaders and lead the way,” he said.
Punjab Kings will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 25. After an away fixture against Lucknow Super Giants, they will return to their home ground for matches against Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.
