Punjab Kings will launch another bid to put an end to their 17-year wait for an Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy when the new-look side under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting takes field against Gujarat Titans in their campaign-opening game of IPL 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 25.
While Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to a title in 2024, he was not retained by the champions and bought at the mega auction by Punjab, who also have a new head coach in the form of Australian batting legend Ponting, who has ended his association with Delhi Capitals.
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Ponting wants to transform the Kings into a champion side.
“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 Dharamsala that we were going to create and become the greatest Punjab Kings team that’s played,” Ponting was quoted as saying in a press release.
“That’s the journey that we’re on and that doesn’t happen overnight. You’ve got to create that,” he said. “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.”
Ponting has high hopes from the youngsters in the Punjab squad, which includes the free-scoring Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Sarfaraz.
“Priyansh Arya, I think, is a very special, potential opening batter 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,” said Ponting.
“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.”
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