In the world of fast-paced T20 cricket, where chaos often rules,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/xavier-bartlett" rel="dofollow">Xavier Bartlett</a> brings a calm confidence that&rsquo;s impossible to ignore. The young Australian pacer, known for his intelligent variations and quiet intensity, has made a solid impression in his maiden IPL stint with Punjab Kings. From lighting up Australia&rsquo;s domestic circuit to now sharing the dressing room with global stars, Bartlett&rsquo;s journey is one of steady growth, quiet ambition, and relentless hard work.
Bartlett&rsquo;s rise in Australian domestic cricket has been nothing short of impressive. A consistent performer for Queensland and the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, he has earned a reputation as a clever fast bowler with a strong tactical mind. His control, composure under pressure, and ability to adapt to different situations stood out early on, making him a highly anticipated pick for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a>.
Now wearing the Punjab Kings jersey in the world&rsquo;s most glamorous cricket league, Bartlett finds himself surrounded by world-class talent and in the spotlight like never before.
<h2>Settling into IPL</h2>
Speaking about his transition into the IPL, Bartlett shared, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been an amazing experience so far&hellip; the atmosphere in the last couple of games has been electric.&rdquo; The chance to rub shoulders with some of the best players in the world and learn from them has been a key part of his development, and Bartlett is soaking in every bit of it.
He&rsquo;s already working on fine-tuning his skill set for Indian conditions, especially focusing on slower balls and smarter variations on smaller grounds. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s so much research and data available here, and everyone&rsquo;s so good. You really have to stay one step ahead,&rdquo; he added.
One of the standout aspects of Bartlett&rsquo;s IPL journey so far has been the team environment. &ldquo;Everyone gets on so well&mdash;it&rsquo;s like one big family here in Punjab,&rdquo; he said, with genuine warmth. Whether it&rsquo;s seasoned veterans like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/arshdeep-singh">Arshdeep Singh</a>, Yuzvendra Chahal or rising stars like Suryansh Shedge, Bartlett is learning from everyone around him.
His praise for Arshdeep&rsquo;s work ethic was telling: &ldquo;He&rsquo;s one of the hardest trainers I&rsquo;ve ever seen&hellip; he expects the highest of himself.&rdquo; The pacer also highlighted the depth of local talent in the squad and how refreshing it is to see young Indian players stepping up when needed.
<h2>Learning from legends</h2>
Punjab Kings have no shortage of international pedigree in their coaching staff either. With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ricky-ponting">Ricky Ponting</a> at the helm as head coach, Bartlett finds himself guided by one of cricket&rsquo;s all-time greats. &ldquo;Growing up, he was someone everyone looked up to. Now to work with him is just amazing,&rdquo; he said.
According to Bartlett, Ponting&rsquo;s ability to balance intensity with calmness is what makes him a standout leader. &ldquo;He brings that energy to training but also keeps a cool head during high-pressure situations. That rubs off on all of us.&rdquo;
And off the field? &ldquo;He&rsquo;s very relaxed&hellip; but maybe not when he&rsquo;s playing golf,&rdquo; Bartlett quipped with a grin.
<h2>The dream wicket</h2>
When asked about the one batter he&rsquo;s most looking forward to bowling to, Bartlett didn&rsquo;t hesitate: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s hard to go past Virat Kohli. He&rsquo;s King Kohli for a reason.&rdquo; Facing a legend like Kohli, especially in India, is the kind of challenge Bartlett relishes.
And as for Punjab Kings&rsquo; title ambitions? Bartlett is hopeful but grounded. &ldquo;Every year you come into the tournament wanting to win. The vibe around the group is really strong. If we keep playing our brand of cricket, we&rsquo;ll be hard to beat.&rdquo;
With his calm demeanor, sharp cricketing brain, and humility off the field, Xavier Bartlett is quietly carving a name for himself in the IPL. Whether it&rsquo;s delivering under pressure, soaking up knowledge from legends, or just being the dependable guy in the squad, he&rsquo;s proving that he belongs.
Punjab Kings may be chasing their first IPL title, but with players like Bartlett in their ranks, they&rsquo;re not just building a team&mdash;they&rsquo;re building a legacy.

Cricket, Sports: His control, composure under pressure, and ability to adapt to different situations stood out early on, making him a highly anticipated pick for the IPL.

In the world of fast-paced T20 cricket, where chaos often rules, Xavier Bartlett brings a calm confidence that’s impossible to ignore. The young Australian pacer, known for his intelligent variations and quiet intensity, has made a solid impression in his maiden IPL stint with Punjab Kings. From lighting up Australia’s domestic circuit to now sharing the dressing room with global stars, Bartlett’s journey is one of steady growth, quiet ambition, and relentless hard work. Bartlett’s rise in Australian domestic cricket has been nothing short of impressive. A consistent performer for Queensland and the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, he has earned a reputation as a clever fast bowler with a strong tactical mind. His control, composure under pressure, and ability to adapt to different situations stood out early on, making him a highly anticipated pick for the Indian Premier League. Now wearing the Punjab Kings jersey in the world’s most glamorous cricket league, Bartlett finds himself surrounded by world-class talent and in the spotlight like never before. Settling into IPL Speaking about his transition into the IPL, Bartlett shared, “It’s been an amazing experience so far… the atmosphere in the last couple of games has been electric.” The chance to rub shoulders with some of the best players in the world and learn from them has been a key part of his development, and Bartlett is soaking in every bit of it. He’s already working on fine-tuning his skill set for Indian conditions, especially focusing on slower balls and smarter variations on smaller grounds. “There’s so much research and data available here, and everyone’s so good. You really have to stay one step ahead,” he added. One of the standout aspects of Bartlett’s IPL journey so far has been the team environment. “Everyone gets on so well—it’s like one big family here in Punjab,” he said, with genuine warmth. Whether it’s seasoned veterans like Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal or rising stars like Suryansh Shedge, Bartlett is learning from everyone around him. His praise for Arshdeep’s work ethic was telling: “He’s one of the hardest trainers I’ve ever seen… he expects the highest of himself.” The pacer also highlighted the depth of local talent in the squad and how refreshing it is to see young Indian players stepping up when needed. Learning from legends Punjab Kings have no shortage of international pedigree in their coaching staff either. With Ricky Ponting at the helm as head coach, Bartlett finds himself guided by one of cricket’s all-time greats. “Growing up, he was someone everyone looked up to. Now to work with him is just amazing,” he said. According to Bartlett, Ponting’s ability to balance intensity with calmness is what makes him a standout leader. “He brings that energy to training but also keeps a cool head during high-pressure situations. That rubs off on all of us.” And off the field? “He’s very relaxed… but maybe not when he’s playing golf,” Bartlett quipped with a grin. The dream wicket When asked about the one batter he’s most looking forward to bowling to, Bartlett didn’t hesitate: “It’s hard to go past Virat Kohli. He’s King Kohli for a reason.” Facing a legend like Kohli, especially in India, is the kind of challenge Bartlett relishes. And as for Punjab Kings’ title ambitions? Bartlett is hopeful but grounded. “Every year you come into the tournament wanting to win. The vibe around the group is really strong. If we keep playing our brand of cricket, we’ll be hard to beat.” With his calm demeanor, sharp cricketing brain, and humility off the field, Xavier Bartlett is quietly carving a name for himself in the IPL. Whether it’s delivering under pressure, soaking up knowledge from legends, or just being the dependable guy in the squad, he’s proving that he belongs. Punjab Kings may be chasing their first IPL title, but with players like Bartlett in their ranks, they’re not just building a team—they’re building a legacy.

IPL 2025 | Exclusive | Australian ace, Indian stage: Punjab Kings' Xavier Bartlett blends pace with precision

Punjab Kings pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lockie-ferguson">Lockie Ferguson</a> has welcomed the lifting of the saliva ban in the IPL, saying it marks a turning point for bowlers &mdash; especially in the death overs where reverse swing can be a game-changer.
With the amended post-Covid regulations, bowlers are now permitted to use saliva to shine the ball, a move Ferguson believes could level the playing field in high-scoring conditions. &ldquo;From a fast bowler's point of view, bowling at the death, any assistance we can get to move the ball legally is always greatly appreciated,&rdquo; Ferguson was quoted saying to PTI videos.
So far, Ferguson has taken three wickets in the tournament, with a best of 2/37 against Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur. He feels the change in rules could influence the outcome of tight games. &ldquo;We have high-scoring matches, which is great for entertainment, but if you can close out overs with some reverse swing, that&rsquo;s a real asset.&rdquo;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/heinrich-klaasens-international-future-uncertain-after-csa-contract-omission-miller-van-der-dussen-accept-hybrid-deals-8936086">Heinrich Klaasen's international future uncertain after CSA contract omission; Miller, van der Dussen accept hybrid deals</a>
The BCCI lifted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/saliva-ban">saliva ban</a> in the IPL last month after receiving widespread support from team captains. The ban had originally been imposed by the ICC as a Covid precaution and made permanent in 2022. However, since the IPL operates under its own playing conditions, the rule has now been relaxed for this tournament.
<h2 data-start="974" data-end="1295">'I am in awe of Arshdeep Singh'</h2>
This season has already seen a noticeable shift &mdash; with fewer runaway totals and closer matches &mdash; and Ferguson believes the balance between bat and ball is being restored. &ldquo;We have such dry pitches here. The return of saliva helps bring bowlers back into the game, which is fantastic. Everyone wants to see a contest,&rdquo; he said.
While Ferguson hasn&rsquo;t bowled at the death this season, he isn&rsquo;t fazed. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not that I haven&rsquo;t been trusted &mdash; that&rsquo;s just IPL cricket. You&rsquo;ve got to be adaptable. We have so many great death options that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer">Shreyas Iyer</a> has to make tough choices.&rdquo;
The New Zealand quick was full of praise for his pace partner Arshdeep Singh, calling him a 'lively character' and a vital cog in the PBKS setup. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m in awe of Arshdeep, really. He&rsquo;s an exceptional bowler, always eager to bowl &mdash; with the new ball or at the death. He&rsquo;s hungry and passionate.&rdquo;
Ferguson also acknowledged Arshdeep&rsquo;s growing leadership presence in the team. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s always the first to offer advice or support. He&rsquo;s becoming a big leader in this group.&rdquo;
With PBKS currently sitting on four points from three matches, Ferguson remains confident about the team&rsquo;s prospects. &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t be here if I didn&rsquo;t think we could win the competition. It&rsquo;s a long journey, but I feel privileged to be part of this group. Hopefully, we can go the distance.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: With the amended post-Covid regulations, bowlers are now permitted to use saliva to shine the ball, a move Ferguson believes could level playing field

Punjab Kings pacer Lockie Ferguson has welcomed the lifting of the saliva ban in the IPL, saying it marks a turning point for bowlers — especially in the death overs where reverse swing can be a game-changer. With the amended post-Covid regulations, bowlers are now permitted to use saliva to shine the ball, a move Ferguson believes could level the playing field in high-scoring conditions. “From a fast bowler's point of view, bowling at the death, any assistance we can get to move the ball legally is always greatly appreciated,” Ferguson was quoted saying to PTI videos. So far, Ferguson has taken three wickets in the tournament, with a best of 2/37 against Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur. He feels the change in rules could influence the outcome of tight games. “We have high-scoring matches, which is great for entertainment, but if you can close out overs with some reverse swing, that’s a real asset.” Also Read: Heinrich Klaasen's international future uncertain after CSA contract omission; Miller, van der Dussen accept hybrid deals The BCCI lifted the saliva ban in the IPL last month after receiving widespread support from team captains. The ban had originally been imposed by the ICC as a Covid precaution and made permanent in 2022. However, since the IPL operates under its own playing conditions, the rule has now been relaxed for this tournament. 'I am in awe of Arshdeep Singh' This season has already seen a noticeable shift — with fewer runaway totals and closer matches — and Ferguson believes the balance between bat and ball is being restored. “We have such dry pitches here. The return of saliva helps bring bowlers back into the game, which is fantastic. Everyone wants to see a contest,” he said. While Ferguson hasn’t bowled at the death this season, he isn’t fazed. “It’s not that I haven’t been trusted — that’s just IPL cricket. You’ve got to be adaptable. We have so many great death options that Shreyas Iyer has to make tough choices.” The New Zealand quick was full of praise for his pace partner Arshdeep Singh, calling him a 'lively character' and a vital cog in the PBKS setup. “I’m in awe of Arshdeep, really. He’s an exceptional bowler, always eager to bowl — with the new ball or at the death. He’s hungry and passionate.” Ferguson also acknowledged Arshdeep’s growing leadership presence in the team. “He’s always the first to offer advice or support. He’s becoming a big leader in this group.” With PBKS currently sitting on four points from three matches, Ferguson remains confident about the team’s prospects. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we could win the competition. It’s a long journey, but I feel privileged to be part of this group. Hopefully, we can go the distance.” (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: 'Lifting of saliva ban brings balance back for bowlers', says PBKS' Lockie Ferguson

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is often described as a high-octane festival of cricket, and among its many stalwarts, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yuzvendra-chahal">Yuzvendra Chahal</a> stands tall&mdash;not just for his impressive tally of wickets, but also for his candid, witty, and humble demeanor off the field. With 206 wickets to his name, Chahal is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history. The spin wizard opened up about his current form, team ambitions, and the mental toughness required in T20 cricket.
Chahal, fondly known as 'Yuzi Bhai', acknowledged the challenges of bowling across varied Indian stadiums, from Chepauk to Chinnaswamy. &ldquo;We have played so many matches across India that we understand the conditions well. Our bowling strategy always depends on the ground, the dimensions, and what the team needs,&rdquo; Chahal said in an interview at JioHotstar Press Room with Punjab Kings.&nbsp;With a laugh, he added, &ldquo;Attack is my best form of defense,&rdquo; underlining his aggressive bowling mindset.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-srh-vs-gt-pitch-report-all-you-need-to-know-as-sunrisers-look-to-avoid-fourth-straight-defeat-dream11-live-streaming-squads-prediction-8931784">IPL 2025, SRH vs GT Pitch Report: All you need to know as SunRisers look to avoid fourth straight defeat</a>
On rivalries beteween the franchises in the IPL, Chahal was clear and composed: &ldquo;For me, it&rsquo;s always 100%. Even if a close friend is on the opposite side, he&rsquo;s a batsman and I&rsquo;m a bowler. Friendship stays off the field.&rdquo; His no-nonsense approach to competition reflects the mental discipline required at this elite level.
Despite a modest start to the season, Chahal remains upbeat. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s just been three matches, and we&rsquo;ve already won two. The performance will come. The tournament is long, and I am enjoying my bowling,&rdquo; he said. As for the weight of price tags? Chahal is unfazed. &ldquo;I believe I deserve it. Once you&rsquo;re on the ground, you don&rsquo;t think about 5 crore or 18 crore&mdash;you just focus on the game.&rdquo;
<h2 data-start="1718" data-end="2105">'We are aiming for top 2'</h2>
Now donning the Punjab Kings jersey, Chahal is embracing the change with optimism. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re aiming for the top 2. This team has great balance in both batting and bowling. There's a champion vibe in the dressing room,&rdquo; he said, highlighting the team&rsquo;s close-knit culture and unity. A key figure in shaping that atmosphere? Head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ricky-ponting">Ricky Ponting</a>. &ldquo;Ricky sir gives you so much confidence. He treats everyone the same&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s a youngster or a senior player. That trust means a lot.&rdquo;
As competition for a national comeback intensifies, Chahal remains grounded. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s not in my hands. I enjoy the present,&rdquo; he said, while also mentoring young spinners like Digvesh Rathi and Suryansh. &ldquo;Self-belief is everything. Don&rsquo;t look at the name on the back of the batsman&rsquo;s jersey&mdash;just stick to your strengths.&rdquo;
Looking ahead, the clash against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mahendra-singh-dhoni">MS Dhoni</a> and CSK holds special significance. &ldquo;Mahi bhai knows my game inside out, and I know what he&rsquo;s thinking too. If he comes early, we attack. If it&rsquo;s the death overs, we don&rsquo;t give him easy balls.&rdquo; Their mutual respect promises a thrilling on-field chess match.
Reflecting on the beloved 'KulCha' duo, Chahal offered a hopeful note: &ldquo;We (Kuldeep and I) still talk a lot. And whenever we get the chance, we&rsquo;ll surely make a comeback together.&rdquo;
Yuzvendra Chahal&rsquo;s IPL 2025 journey is about more than just spin&mdash;it's about growth, grit, and guiding the next generation. With Ponting in the dugout and Punjab Kings hungry for success, Chahal&rsquo;s experience and swagger could be the game-changer this season.

Cricket, Sports: Yuzvendra Chahal’s IPL 2025 journey is about more than just spin—it is about growth, grit, and guiding the next generation players

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is often described as a high-octane festival of cricket, and among its many stalwarts, Yuzvendra Chahal stands tall—not just for his impressive tally of wickets, but also for his candid, witty, and humble demeanor off the field. With 206 wickets to his name, Chahal is the leading wicket-taker in IPL history. The spin wizard opened up about his current form, team ambitions, and the mental toughness required in T20 cricket. Chahal, fondly known as 'Yuzi Bhai', acknowledged the challenges of bowling across varied Indian stadiums, from Chepauk to Chinnaswamy. “We have played so many matches across India that we understand the conditions well. Our bowling strategy always depends on the ground, the dimensions, and what the team needs,” Chahal said in an interview at JioHotstar Press Room with Punjab Kings. With a laugh, he added, “Attack is my best form of defense,” underlining his aggressive bowling mindset. Also Read: IPL 2025, SRH vs GT Pitch Report: All you need to know as SunRisers look to avoid fourth straight defeat On rivalries beteween the franchises in the IPL, Chahal was clear and composed: “For me, it’s always 100%. Even if a close friend is on the opposite side, he’s a batsman and I’m a bowler. Friendship stays off the field.” His no-nonsense approach to competition reflects the mental discipline required at this elite level. Despite a modest start to the season, Chahal remains upbeat. “It’s just been three matches, and we’ve already won two. The performance will come. The tournament is long, and I am enjoying my bowling,” he said. As for the weight of price tags? Chahal is unfazed. “I believe I deserve it. Once you’re on the ground, you don’t think about 5 crore or 18 crore—you just focus on the game.” 'We are aiming for top 2' Now donning the Punjab Kings jersey, Chahal is embracing the change with optimism. “We’re aiming for the top 2. This team has great balance in both batting and bowling. There's a champion vibe in the dressing room,” he said, highlighting the team’s close-knit culture and unity. A key figure in shaping that atmosphere? Head coach Ricky Ponting. “Ricky sir gives you so much confidence. He treats everyone the same—whether it’s a youngster or a senior player. That trust means a lot.” As competition for a national comeback intensifies, Chahal remains grounded. “That’s not in my hands. I enjoy the present,” he said, while also mentoring young spinners like Digvesh Rathi and Suryansh. “Self-belief is everything. Don’t look at the name on the back of the batsman’s jersey—just stick to your strengths.” Looking ahead, the clash against MS Dhoni and CSK holds special significance. “Mahi bhai knows my game inside out, and I know what he’s thinking too. If he comes early, we attack. If it’s the death overs, we don’t give him easy balls.” Their mutual respect promises a thrilling on-field chess match. Reflecting on the beloved 'KulCha' duo, Chahal offered a hopeful note: “We (Kuldeep and I) still talk a lot. And whenever we get the chance, we’ll surely make a comeback together.” Yuzvendra Chahal’s IPL 2025 journey is about more than just spin—it's about growth, grit, and guiding the next generation. With Ponting in the dugout and Punjab Kings hungry for success, Chahal’s experience and swagger could be the game-changer this season.

Exclusive | IPL 2025 | Yuzvendra Chahal: Spinning new dreams with Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer">Shreyas Iyer</a> remained upbeat despite his team's first defeat of the IPL 2025 season, highlighting the importance of learnings from their six-wicket loss to the Rajasthan Royals.
The Royals, boosted by a strong opening stand from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yashasvi-jaiswal">Yashasvi Jaiswal</a> and Riyan Parag, posted a commanding 205 in the first innings. Punjab&rsquo;s chase was derailed early by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jofra-archer">Jofra Archer</a>, who picked up two crucial wickets in quick succession to swing momentum Rajasthan's way.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-rr-skipper-sanju-samson-breaks-this-long-standing-record-of-shane-warne-8931563">IPL 2025: RR skipper Sanju Samson breaks THIS long-standing record of Shane Warne</a>
&ldquo;I felt we could have taken it slower and tried to build partnerships, but there are lots of learnings from this game,&rdquo; Iyer said at the post-match presentation. &ldquo;There was no dew as we had anticipated. We&rsquo;ll need to revisit the videos to understand where we went wrong with both our bowling and batting.&rdquo;
<h2 data-start="1078" data-end="1383">'Nehal was phenomenal'</h2>
Punjab&rsquo;s innings was marred by frequent loss of wickets, preventing any meaningful partnerships from forming. However, Iyer lauded young Nehal Wadhera for his composed performance under pressure.
&ldquo;Nehal was phenomenal. He took his time, assessed the conditions well, and then went after the bowlers. It&rsquo;s a good sign for us,&rdquo; Iyer added. &ldquo;Sometimes, a slight hiccup at the start of the tournament helps wake you up. I personally believe this loss will be good for us.&rdquo;
Despite Rajasthan&rsquo;s overall dominance, Parag had a brief lull during his innings before launching a powerful finish. His unbeaten 43 off just 27 balls, laced with three sixes and as many fours, ensured the Royals crossed the 200-run mark.
Iyer, who won the toss and opted to bowl, admitted his target was to keep Rajasthan to a more manageable score.
&ldquo;I was thinking 180-185 would be a decent score to chase here. The pitch had a bit of hold, and we tried not to give them pace. But we failed to execute our plans,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Still, I&rsquo;m glad this happened early in the tournament&mdash;we&rsquo;ve got plenty of time to regroup.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: The Royals set a target of 205. Punjab’s innings was marred by frequent loss of wickets, preventing any meaningful partnerships from forming

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer remained upbeat despite his team's first defeat of the IPL 2025 season, highlighting the importance of learnings from their six-wicket loss to the Rajasthan Royals. The Royals, boosted by a strong opening stand from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag, posted a commanding 205 in the first innings. Punjab’s chase was derailed early by Jofra Archer, who picked up two crucial wickets in quick succession to swing momentum Rajasthan's way. Also Read: IPL 2025: RR skipper Sanju Samson breaks THIS long-standing record of Shane Warne “I felt we could have taken it slower and tried to build partnerships, but there are lots of learnings from this game,” Iyer said at the post-match presentation. “There was no dew as we had anticipated. We’ll need to revisit the videos to understand where we went wrong with both our bowling and batting.” 'Nehal was phenomenal' Punjab’s innings was marred by frequent loss of wickets, preventing any meaningful partnerships from forming. However, Iyer lauded young Nehal Wadhera for his composed performance under pressure. “Nehal was phenomenal. He took his time, assessed the conditions well, and then went after the bowlers. It’s a good sign for us,” Iyer added. “Sometimes, a slight hiccup at the start of the tournament helps wake you up. I personally believe this loss will be good for us.” Despite Rajasthan’s overall dominance, Parag had a brief lull during his innings before launching a powerful finish. His unbeaten 43 off just 27 balls, laced with three sixes and as many fours, ensured the Royals crossed the 200-run mark. Iyer, who won the toss and opted to bowl, admitted his target was to keep Rajasthan to a more manageable score. “I was thinking 180-185 would be a decent score to chase here. The pitch had a bit of hold, and we tried not to give them pace. But we failed to execute our plans,” he said. “Still, I’m glad this happened early in the tournament—we’ve got plenty of time to regroup.” (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: 'A slight hiccup at start of tournament helps wake you up', PBKS skipper Iyer reflects after loss to RR

Sanju Samson etched his name into Rajasthan Royals&rsquo; (RR) history books on Saturday, becoming the captain with the most wins in the franchise&rsquo;s Indian Premier League (IPL) journey. Samson achieved the milestone during RR&rsquo;s emphatic 50-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Mullanpur.
This marked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sanju-samson">Sanju Samson</a>&rsquo;s 32nd win as RR skipper, surpassing the late Australian legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shane-warne">Shane Warne</a>, who led the franchise to 31 wins between 2008 and 2011. Warne, who famously captained RR to their maiden IPL title in 2008, finished his tenure with 31 wins and 24 losses.
Since taking over the reins in 2021, Samson has now led RR in 62 matches, with 32 wins, 29 losses, and one no result. Under his leadership, the Royals reached the IPL final in 2022, finishing runners-up to Gujarat Titans, and made the playoffs again in 2024.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-kl-rahul-20-aggressive-free-and-thriving-at-delhi-capitals-8931488">IPL 2025 | KL Rahul 2.0: Aggressive, free and thriving at Delhi Capitals</a>
Coming to the match, After PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl, RR got off to a flying start, thanks to an 89-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Jaiswal top-scored with a fluent 67 off 45 balls, including three fours and five sixes. Samson contributed a quick 38 off 26, striking six boundaries.
Finishing flourishes came from Riyan Parag (43* off 25, 3 fours, 3 sixes) and Shimron Hetmyer (20 off 12, 2 fours, 1 six), helping RR post an imposing total of 205/4 in their 20 overs. Lockie Ferguson led the PBKS bowling attack with figures of 2/37, while Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen picked up one wicket each.
In response, PBKS had a rocky start and were soon reeling at 43/4, courtesy of a fiery spell from Jofra Archer (3/25). A fighting 88-run stand between Nehal Wadhera (62 off 41, 5 fours, 3 sixes) and Glenn Maxwell (30 off 21, 3 fours, 1 six) briefly revived PBKS&rsquo; hopes. However, once they departed, the chase fizzled out.
RR bowlers continued to apply pressure, with Sandeep Sharma (2/21) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/26) providing excellent support. PBKS ultimately stumbled to 155/9 in their 20 overs, suffering their first defeat of IPL 2025.
<h2>We missed the trick: Sunil Joshi</h2>
Following the loss, PBKS spin bowling coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sunil-joshi">Sunil Joshi</a> reflected on the tactical choices made during the game. Speaking at the post-match press conference, he admitted that the team may have underutilised their spin resources.
&ldquo;We have a long season ahead. I think we missed the trick&mdash;we could have bowled a couple more overs of spin with Glenn Maxwell and Chahal. So we missed the trick, and going forward, we will look into it,&rdquo; Joshi remarked.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: The win over PBKS was Samson’s 32nd win as RR skipper, surpassing late Australian legend Shane Warne, who led the franchise to 31 wins between 2008-2011

Sanju Samson etched his name into Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) history books on Saturday, becoming the captain with the most wins in the franchise’s Indian Premier League (IPL) journey. Samson achieved the milestone during RR’s emphatic 50-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Mullanpur. This marked Sanju Samson’s 32nd win as RR skipper, surpassing the late Australian legend Shane Warne, who led the franchise to 31 wins between 2008 and 2011. Warne, who famously captained RR to their maiden IPL title in 2008, finished his tenure with 31 wins and 24 losses. Since taking over the reins in 2021, Samson has now led RR in 62 matches, with 32 wins, 29 losses, and one no result. Under his leadership, the Royals reached the IPL final in 2022, finishing runners-up to Gujarat Titans, and made the playoffs again in 2024. Also Read: IPL 2025 | KL Rahul 2.0: Aggressive, free and thriving at Delhi Capitals Coming to the match, After PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl, RR got off to a flying start, thanks to an 89-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Jaiswal top-scored with a fluent 67 off 45 balls, including three fours and five sixes. Samson contributed a quick 38 off 26, striking six boundaries. Finishing flourishes came from Riyan Parag (43* off 25, 3 fours, 3 sixes) and Shimron Hetmyer (20 off 12, 2 fours, 1 six), helping RR post an imposing total of 205/4 in their 20 overs. Lockie Ferguson led the PBKS bowling attack with figures of 2/37, while Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen picked up one wicket each. In response, PBKS had a rocky start and were soon reeling at 43/4, courtesy of a fiery spell from Jofra Archer (3/25). A fighting 88-run stand between Nehal Wadhera (62 off 41, 5 fours, 3 sixes) and Glenn Maxwell (30 off 21, 3 fours, 1 six) briefly revived PBKS’ hopes. However, once they departed, the chase fizzled out. RR bowlers continued to apply pressure, with Sandeep Sharma (2/21) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/26) providing excellent support. PBKS ultimately stumbled to 155/9 in their 20 overs, suffering their first defeat of IPL 2025. We missed the trick: Sunil Joshi Following the loss, PBKS spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi reflected on the tactical choices made during the game. Speaking at the post-match press conference, he admitted that the team may have underutilised their spin resources. “We have a long season ahead. I think we missed the trick—we could have bowled a couple more overs of spin with Glenn Maxwell and Chahal. So we missed the trick, and going forward, we will look into it,” Joshi remarked. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: RR skipper Sanju Samson breaks THIS long-standing record of Shane Warne

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shardul-thakur">Shardul Thakur</a> has spoken out in favor of creating pitches that give bowlers a 'fair and square chance' rather than favoring batters, a trend he feels has been prevalent in the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;
Speaking ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lucknow-super-giants">Lucknow Super Giants</a>' (LSG) first home game of the season against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/punjab-kings">Punjab Kings</a>, Thakur emphasised the need for balanced pitches that don&rsquo;t favor one side. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not just about what I want, it&rsquo;s what bowlers as a whole want,&rdquo; Thakur said. &ldquo;A lot of bowlers may not be outspoken or have the chance to speak up about pitch conditions, but all we&rsquo;re asking for is a level playing field.&rdquo;
Thakur explained that bowlers are simply seeking conditions where the game feels balanced, and batters aren't just coming in and dominating with big scores. "We just want a fair chance to bowl and get wickets," he added. "The pitch should not be tilted heavily in favor of the batters, giving them the advantage to smash us."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-mamba-mentality-pbks-pacer-arshdeep-says-key-is-to-improve-by-1-15-after-every-game-8913973">IPL 2025: Mamba mentality? PBKS pacer Arshdeep says 'key is to improve by 1-1.5% after every game'</a>
<h2>'Preparation is key'</h2>
In IPL 2025, high-scoring games have been common, with six matches surpassing 200 runs already. In one of the games, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 286/6. While Thakur expressed some reservations about the Impact Player rule, he believes that the real issue lies with the pitches.
"We&rsquo;ve seen the impact of the new rule, where teams can play an extra batter. The rule brings entertainment, but the big scores aren&rsquo;t just because of that change," he noted. "The pitches also play a big part. We, as bowlers, just want a fair chance to get batsmen out.&rdquo;
Thakur, who joined LSG as a replacement player, has quickly become the team's poster boy and their leading wicket-taker with six wickets from two matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.83. He attributes his success to his preparation and understanding of his game. 'Preparation is key', Thakur said. "It&rsquo;s all about knowing how to bowl depending on the pitch conditions, the match situation, and which batter you're facing."
Despite a series of injuries in the team, with Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav sidelined, Thakur insists the team must focus on what is available rather than what is missing. "We have the bowlers available to us, and we have to focus on that," he said.
"In the IPL, all 25 players in the squad are equal. Past performances may earn players more opportunities, but when you step onto the field, it&rsquo;s about your confidence, your preparation, and how you perform on that particular day," he signed off.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Thakur explained that bowlers are simply seeking conditions where the game feels balanced, and batters aren't just coming in and hitting big scores

Shardul Thakur has spoken out in favor of creating pitches that give bowlers a 'fair and square chance' rather than favoring batters, a trend he feels has been prevalent in the Indian Premier League. Speaking ahead of Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) first home game of the season against Punjab Kings, Thakur emphasised the need for balanced pitches that don’t favor one side. “It’s not just about what I want, it’s what bowlers as a whole want,” Thakur said. “A lot of bowlers may not be outspoken or have the chance to speak up about pitch conditions, but all we’re asking for is a level playing field.” Thakur explained that bowlers are simply seeking conditions where the game feels balanced, and batters aren't just coming in and dominating with big scores. "We just want a fair chance to bowl and get wickets," he added. "The pitch should not be tilted heavily in favor of the batters, giving them the advantage to smash us." Also Read: IPL 2025: Mamba mentality? PBKS pacer Arshdeep says 'key is to improve by 1-1.5% after every game' 'Preparation is key' In IPL 2025, high-scoring games have been common, with six matches surpassing 200 runs already. In one of the games, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 286/6. While Thakur expressed some reservations about the Impact Player rule, he believes that the real issue lies with the pitches. "We’ve seen the impact of the new rule, where teams can play an extra batter. The rule brings entertainment, but the big scores aren’t just because of that change," he noted. "The pitches also play a big part. We, as bowlers, just want a fair chance to get batsmen out.” Thakur, who joined LSG as a replacement player, has quickly become the team's poster boy and their leading wicket-taker with six wickets from two matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.83. He attributes his success to his preparation and understanding of his game. 'Preparation is key', Thakur said. "It’s all about knowing how to bowl depending on the pitch conditions, the match situation, and which batter you're facing." Despite a series of injuries in the team, with Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav sidelined, Thakur insists the team must focus on what is available rather than what is missing. "We have the bowlers available to us, and we have to focus on that," he said. "In the IPL, all 25 players in the squad are equal. Past performances may earn players more opportunities, but when you step onto the field, it’s about your confidence, your preparation, and how you perform on that particular day," he signed off. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: LSG's pacer has his say on high-scoring pitches: 'All bowlers want is a...'

A new-look Punjab Kings is set to play their second Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who have blown hot and cold in two matches played so far. While the match is being played in Lucknow, it is advantage PBKS given their form, better bowling attack and of course the confidence they exuded in the first match.
<h2>IPL 2025: PBKS vs LSG Match Prediction Today</h2>
Lucknow's batting has revolved around Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran in the two matches they have played. Their bowling has become a bit better after addition of Avesh Khan in the last match and rookie Prince Yadav finding his groove as well.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-hes-not-the-captain-former-eng-skipper-on-whether-mi-will-drop-rohit-amid-poor-form-8912039">IPL 2025: 'He's not the captain,' former ENG skipper on whether MI will drop Rohit amid poor form</a>
The cause of concern is skipper Rishabh Pant's batting - who has not looked great in the two match and has scored only 15 and 0 in the two matches.
PBKS, on the other hand, posted 244 in their first match thanks to skipper Shreyas Iyer's brilliant 97. The skipper was ably supported by Priyansh Arya at the top and Shashank Singh in the slog overs. In middle overs, they have Glenn Maxwell and Azamatullah Omarzai as well.
As for bowling, Arshdeep Singh has been phenomenal over the years for them and he will find it helpful at the grassy Lucknow pitch. Yuzvendra Chahal is their lead spinner with Vijaykumar Vyshak playing his part to perfection as well.
The team winning the toss should bowl first given the dew expectation and the average winning score should be around 185-190 run mark.
<h2>PBKS vs LSG Match Today: Pitch Report</h2>
Lucknow is one of the few grounds in IPL which supports bowlers. While there could be dew in the second innings, the team who wins the toss would definitely like to bowl first and then chase the score helped by the dew.
<h2>PBKS vs LSG Match Today: Predicted Playing XI</h2>
PBKS: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Azamatullah Omarzai, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak
LSG: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur,&nbsp; Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan&nbsp;

IPL 2025 LSG vs PBKS Match Prediction: The team winning the toss should bowl first given the dew expectation and the average winning score should be around 185-190 run mark. Cricket Sports

A new-look Punjab Kings is set to play their second Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who have blown hot and cold in two matches played so far. While the match is being played in Lucknow, it is advantage PBKS given their form, better bowling attack and of course the confidence they exuded in the first match. IPL 2025: PBKS vs LSG Match Prediction Today Lucknow's batting has revolved around Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran in the two matches they have played. Their bowling has become a bit better after addition of Avesh Khan in the last match and rookie Prince Yadav finding his groove as well. Also Read: IPL 2025: 'He's not the captain,' former ENG skipper on whether MI will drop Rohit amid poor form The cause of concern is skipper Rishabh Pant's batting - who has not looked great in the two match and has scored only 15 and 0 in the two matches. PBKS, on the other hand, posted 244 in their first match thanks to skipper Shreyas Iyer's brilliant 97. The skipper was ably supported by Priyansh Arya at the top and Shashank Singh in the slog overs. In middle overs, they have Glenn Maxwell and Azamatullah Omarzai as well. As for bowling, Arshdeep Singh has been phenomenal over the years for them and he will find it helpful at the grassy Lucknow pitch. Yuzvendra Chahal is their lead spinner with Vijaykumar Vyshak playing his part to perfection as well. The team winning the toss should bowl first given the dew expectation and the average winning score should be around 185-190 run mark. PBKS vs LSG Match Today: Pitch Report Lucknow is one of the few grounds in IPL which supports bowlers. While there could be dew in the second innings, the team who wins the toss would definitely like to bowl first and then chase the score helped by the dew. PBKS vs LSG Match Today: Predicted Playing XI PBKS: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Azamatullah Omarzai, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak LSG: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Avesh Khan

IPL 2025: LSG vs PBKS Match Prediction, Playing XI, Pitch Report

Punjab Kings (PBKS) coach Ricky Pontign has revealed that it was bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak who changed the game in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Tuesday (Mar 25). PBKS had posted a daunting total of 244 which GT almost but chased down in 11-run loss.
Vyshak was brought in as an impact player for PBKS and changed the complexion of the game. He gave away 28 runs in his three overs, including the high-pressure penultimate over of the chase. Vyshak only conceded 18 runs in the 19th over, leaving Arshdeep 27 runs to defend in the last over.
Also Read: <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/that-cost-us-the-game-gt-skipper-shubman-gill-reflects-on-11-run-loss-against-pbks-in-high-scoring-game-8890605" aria-label="'That cost us the game': GT skipper Shubman Gill reflects on 11-run loss against PBKS in high-scoring game">'That cost us the game': GT skipper Shubman Gill reflects on 11-run loss against PBKS in high-scoring game</a>
"While sitting in the dugout, I was like they need 13 or 14 runs an over and I sent the message to Shreyas and asked what do you want to do and he straight away said, just get Vyshak out here. He will nail a couple of overs at yorkers and we will close the game and Vyshak was the one who changed the game," said Ponting in a release by the franchise.
The bowler himself felt pretty good about his performance during which he gave away only 10 runs in his first two overs in a game where more than 450 runs were scored.
"It's a surreal feeling when you win the game, especially when you do it for the team in that situation, it really feels good and you can go to bed with a lot of happiness. I have learnt a lot today as well and it's a great lesson for me. Though, I was running around, I didn't know until we started bowling that I might be an impact player. I am really glad I got this opportunity and won it for the team," Vyshak said.
PBKS next play Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 in an away game.

The bowler himself felt pretty good about his performance during which he gave away only 10 runs in his first two overs in a game where more than 450 runs were scored. Cricket Sports

Punjab Kings (PBKS) coach Ricky Pontign has revealed that it was bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak who changed the game in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Tuesday (Mar 25). PBKS had posted a daunting total of 244 which GT almost but chased down in 11-run loss. Vyshak was brought in as an impact player for PBKS and changed the complexion of the game. He gave away 28 runs in his three overs, including the high-pressure penultimate over of the chase. Vyshak only conceded 18 runs in the 19th over, leaving Arshdeep 27 runs to defend in the last over. Also Read: 'That cost us the game': GT skipper Shubman Gill reflects on 11-run loss against PBKS in high-scoring game "While sitting in the dugout, I was like they need 13 or 14 runs an over and I sent the message to Shreyas and asked what do you want to do and he straight away said, just get Vyshak out here. He will nail a couple of overs at yorkers and we will close the game and Vyshak was the one who changed the game," said Ponting in a release by the franchise. The bowler himself felt pretty good about his performance during which he gave away only 10 runs in his first two overs in a game where more than 450 runs were scored. "It's a surreal feeling when you win the game, especially when you do it for the team in that situation, it really feels good and you can go to bed with a lot of happiness. I have learnt a lot today as well and it's a great lesson for me. Though, I was running around, I didn't know until we started bowling that I might be an impact player. I am really glad I got this opportunity and won it for the team," Vyshak said. PBKS next play Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 in an away game.

IPL 2025: PBKS coach Ponting says not Shreyas Iyer or Shashank Singh but THIS bowler 'changed the game' vs GT

Gujarat Titans lost their IPL 2025 season opener against Punjab Kings by 11 runs on Tuesday (Mar 25) in a huge chase of 244. Titans gave it all while trying to compensate for bowlers but eventually fell short and managed 232/5. Titans skipper Shubman Gill reflected on the loss and said that middle overs and lack of runs in the first few overs caused them the game.
"We got our chances when we were bowling and batting. Too many runs we conceded in the back end of the innings. Those three overs in the middle, we scored around 18 runs. That, and our first three overs we didn't score many runs. That cost us the game. Apart from that, many positives for us today," said Gill to broadcasters after the game.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/47-off-23-balls-pbks-gen-z-batter-priyansh-arya-bought-at-13-times-of-base-price-sparks-on-ipl-debut-in-pbks-vs-gt-today-8890126">'47 off 23 balls': Bought at 13 times of base price, PBKS Gen Z batter Priyansh Arya sparks on IPL debut</a>
Punjab Kings were well supported by skipper Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 97 off 42. He sacrificed his century for maximum innings total and Shashank Singh paid the faith with five fours in last over - finished 44 off 16 balls. At the top, debutant Priyansh Arya scored a sparkling 47 off 23 balls.
"Ecstatic, to be honest. Getting 97 not out in the first match is always the icing on the cake. No better feeling to be honest. It was important for me to go ahead and adapt. I got four off the first ball, and that gave an immense boost. That flicked six off Rabada - I think the momentum changed," said Iyer off his innings.
While chasing, GT were going good with 145/2 at 12.3 overs after scoring 61 in first six overs. Sai Sudharsan got out after scoring 74 off 41 balls and a bit of slowdown followed. Jos Buttler, who went on to score 54 off 33, and Sherfane Rutheford (46 off 28) took them to almost 199 in 18 overs.
With two overs remaining, the task was hard and Vijaykumar Vyshak gave 19 runs in the penultimate over - leaving 27 for Arshdeep Singh in the last over which the India pacer defended successfully.

Titans gave it all while trying to compensate for bowlers but eventually fell short and managed 232/5 while chasing 244 and lost the match by 11 runs. Cricket Sports

Gujarat Titans lost their IPL 2025 season opener against Punjab Kings by 11 runs on Tuesday (Mar 25) in a huge chase of 244. Titans gave it all while trying to compensate for bowlers but eventually fell short and managed 232/5. Titans skipper Shubman Gill reflected on the loss and said that middle overs and lack of runs in the first few overs caused them the game. "We got our chances when we were bowling and batting. Too many runs we conceded in the back end of the innings. Those three overs in the middle, we scored around 18 runs. That, and our first three overs we didn't score many runs. That cost us the game. Apart from that, many positives for us today," said Gill to broadcasters after the game. Also Read: '47 off 23 balls': Bought at 13 times of base price, PBKS Gen Z batter Priyansh Arya sparks on IPL debut Punjab Kings were well supported by skipper Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 97 off 42. He sacrificed his century for maximum innings total and Shashank Singh paid the faith with five fours in last over - finished 44 off 16 balls. At the top, debutant Priyansh Arya scored a sparkling 47 off 23 balls. "Ecstatic, to be honest. Getting 97 not out in the first match is always the icing on the cake. No better feeling to be honest. It was important for me to go ahead and adapt. I got four off the first ball, and that gave an immense boost. That flicked six off Rabada - I think the momentum changed," said Iyer off his innings. While chasing, GT were going good with 145/2 at 12.3 overs after scoring 61 in first six overs. Sai Sudharsan got out after scoring 74 off 41 balls and a bit of slowdown followed. Jos Buttler, who went on to score 54 off 33, and Sherfane Rutheford (46 off 28) took them to almost 199 in 18 overs. With two overs remaining, the task was hard and Vijaykumar Vyshak gave 19 runs in the penultimate over - leaving 27 for Arshdeep Singh in the last over which the India pacer defended successfully.

'That cost us the game': GT skipper Shubman Gill reflects on 11-run loss against PBKS in high-scoring game

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer showed the ultimate teamsmanship as he sacrificed his well-deserved 100 to maximise the overall innings score. Iyer remained not out on 97 off 42 balls - hitting five fours and nine sixes in his innings as PBKS finished with 243/5 in their season opener against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday (Mar 25).
Iyer was on 91 runs with two overs remaining and him having the strike - the batter hit a four on the first ball of the penultimate over but then a single on every other ball meant he ended up on non-strike with one over left in the innings.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/47-off-23-balls-pbks-gen-z-batter-priyansh-arya-bought-at-13-times-of-base-price-sparks-on-ipl-debut-in-pbks-vs-gt-today-8890126">'47 off 23 balls': Bought at 13 times of base price, PBKS Gen Z batter Priyansh Arya sparks on IPL debut</a>
Shashank Singh, who was batting equally well, was on the strike with 22 off 10 balls. Shashank also made full use of opportunity given by his skipper and hit 23 runs in the last over with five fours, one double and a wide.
Shashank also revealed that Iyer had asked him to not worry about his hundred - "Let me be very honest - Shreyas, from ball one, said don't worry about my hundred," he told the presenters during innings break.
Shashank also finished at 44 not out off 16 balls with six fours and two sixes and was happy with his innings. He and Iyer added record 81 runs for the franchise for sixth wicket.
"Yes, it was a good cameo. But looking at Shreyas, that motivated me even more. I try and make sure I get the boundaries. When you go at that number, it's more likely that you'll not get a good hit. I know the shots I can back. I focus on my strengths rather than things which I can't do," he said.
Earlier, PBKS batter Priyansh Arya dazzled on his debut and scored 47 off just 23 balls as the team finished at 73/1 in the powerplay.

Shashank Singh, who was batting equally well, was on the strike and made full use of opportunity given by his PBKS skipper Iyer as he hit five fours in the last over vs GT. Cricket Sports

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer showed the ultimate teamsmanship as he sacrificed his well-deserved 100 to maximise the overall innings score. Iyer remained not out on 97 off 42 balls - hitting five fours and nine sixes in his innings as PBKS finished with 243/5 in their season opener against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday (Mar 25). Iyer was on 91 runs with two overs remaining and him having the strike - the batter hit a four on the first ball of the penultimate over but then a single on every other ball meant he ended up on non-strike with one over left in the innings. Also Read: '47 off 23 balls': Bought at 13 times of base price, PBKS Gen Z batter Priyansh Arya sparks on IPL debut Shashank Singh, who was batting equally well, was on the strike with 22 off 10 balls. Shashank also made full use of opportunity given by his skipper and hit 23 runs in the last over with five fours, one double and a wide. Shashank also revealed that Iyer had asked him to not worry about his hundred - "Let me be very honest - Shreyas, from ball one, said don't worry about my hundred," he told the presenters during innings break. Shashank also finished at 44 not out off 16 balls with six fours and two sixes and was happy with his innings. He and Iyer added record 81 runs for the franchise for sixth wicket. "Yes, it was a good cameo. But looking at Shreyas, that motivated me even more. I try and make sure I get the boundaries. When you go at that number, it's more likely that you'll not get a good hit. I know the shots I can back. I focus on my strengths rather than things which I can't do," he said. Earlier, PBKS batter Priyansh Arya dazzled on his debut and scored 47 off just 23 balls as the team finished at 73/1 in the powerplay.

'Don't worry about my hundred': Ultimate team man Shreyas Iyer sacrifices maiden IPL ton by 3 runs during PBKS vs GT

Punjab Kings opening batter Priyansh Arya showed in his debut match during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 that why was he bought for nearly 13 times of his base price at the auction. The 24-year-old Delhi-based batter scored 47 off 23 balls - missing a well-deserved 50 by just three runs.
The opening batter smashed seven fours and two sixes during his sojourn but made a big impact as PBKS finished with 73 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ex-bangladesh-skipper-tamim-iqbal-under-risk-for-48-to-72-hours-after-emergency-heart-surgery-8889860">Ex-Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal under risk for '48 to 72 hours' after emergency heart surgery</a>
Arya started calmly and hit only one four in his first nine balls and was 17 off 11 balls at one point. He changed gears in fifth over the innings, hitting Gujarat Titans' Arshad Khan for three fours and a six in one over. He also hit South Africa's star pacer Kagiso Rabada for two fours in the last over of powerplay.&nbsp;
In the next over, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan got better of the youngster but not before even him conceding a four.
Arya first grabbed the eyeballs when he hit six sixes in an overs during Delhi Premier League (DPL) while scoring 120 off just 50 balls last year. He entered the IPL mega auction at a base price of INR 30 lakh ($35,000) but went on to fetch INR 3.8 crore ($443,000 approx) after a bidding war among the franchises.
Arya, if he keeps his form, will play a crucial role in Punjab Kings' season this year as they look to win their maiden IPL trophy under new captain Shreyas Iyer and new coach Ricky Ponting.
Ponting and Iyer have had success as coach-captain duo at Delhi Capitals. Under them, DC attained their best ever result in the IPL history - finishing runners-up in 2020 season.&nbsp;
Iyer has had a successful year leading to the IPL, especially in Champions Trophy 2025 where he was India's highest run scorer and overall second with 243 runs.

Arya started calmly and hit only one four in his first nine balls and was 17 off 11 at one point. He changed gears in fifth over the innings, hitting GT's Arshad Khan for three fours and a six in one over. Cricket Sports

Punjab Kings opening batter Priyansh Arya showed in his debut match during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 that why was he bought for nearly 13 times of his base price at the auction. The 24-year-old Delhi-based batter scored 47 off 23 balls - missing a well-deserved 50 by just three runs. The opening batter smashed seven fours and two sixes during his sojourn but made a big impact as PBKS finished with 73 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay. Also Read: Ex-Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal under risk for '48 to 72 hours' after emergency heart surgery Arya started calmly and hit only one four in his first nine balls and was 17 off 11 balls at one point. He changed gears in fifth over the innings, hitting Gujarat Titans' Arshad Khan for three fours and a six in one over. He also hit South Africa's star pacer Kagiso Rabada for two fours in the last over of powerplay. In the next over, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan got better of the youngster but not before even him conceding a four. Arya first grabbed the eyeballs when he hit six sixes in an overs during Delhi Premier League (DPL) while scoring 120 off just 50 balls last year. He entered the IPL mega auction at a base price of INR 30 lakh ($35,000) but went on to fetch INR 3.8 crore ($443,000 approx) after a bidding war among the franchises. Arya, if he keeps his form, will play a crucial role in Punjab Kings' season this year as they look to win their maiden IPL trophy under new captain Shreyas Iyer and new coach Ricky Ponting. Ponting and Iyer have had success as coach-captain duo at Delhi Capitals. Under them, DC attained their best ever result in the IPL history - finishing runners-up in 2020 season. Iyer has had a successful year leading to the IPL, especially in Champions Trophy 2025 where he was India's highest run scorer and overall second with 243 runs.

'47 off 23 balls': Bought at 13 times of base price, PBKS Gen Z batter Priyansh Arya sparks on IPL debut

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The IPL 2025 season is heating up, and one of the most anticipated clashes sees Punjab Kings locking horns with Gujarat Titans. This isn&rsquo;t just a match&mdash;it&rsquo;s a battle of two fearless young captains, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer">Shreyas Iyer</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shubhman-gill" rel="dofollow">Shubman Gill</a>, both leading their teams with determination and tactical brilliance.&nbsp;
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Iyer, a proven leader with an IPL title under his belt, brings stability and an aggressive mindset to Punjab Kings. On the other hand, Gill, the elegant stroke-maker turned skipper, is crafting his own legacy with Gujarat Titans. Both teams have undergone strategic transformations, building squads that blend raw power, smart game plans, and an insatiable hunger for victory.&nbsp;
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As Punjab and Gujarat take the field, it&rsquo;s not just about points on the table&mdash;it&rsquo;s a statement of intent. Who will outthink and outplay the other? Will Iyer&rsquo;s calculated leadership trump Gill&rsquo;s instinctive captaincy? The answers lie in the thrilling battle ahead.&nbsp;
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Shreyas Iyer&rsquo;s appointment as the captain of Punjab Kings marks a significant chapter in the franchise&rsquo;s history.&nbsp;Acquired for a staggering approximately $3.18 million, Iyer became the second-most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction. His leadership credentials are well-established, having led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kolkata-knight-riders">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> (KKR) to an IPL title in 2024.&nbsp;
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Meanwhile, Shubman Gill&rsquo;s elevation to the captaincy of Gujarat Titans signifies a new era for the franchise. Known for his elegant batting style and calm demeanor, Gill&nbsp;represents the modern cricketer who combines skill with strategic thinking.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW141748864 BCX0" paraid="209121751" paraeid="{9b7e9f9c-22d9-468d-9848-48af91fe6850}{104}">Strengths of Punjab Kings&nbsp;</h2>
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1. Iyer&rsquo;s proven track record as a captain brings strategic acumen and composure to the team. His previous success with KKR underscores his ability to inspire and lead.&nbsp;
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2. Under the guidance of head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ricky-ponting">Ricky Ponting</a>, Punjab Kings have made calculated moves in the auction, assembling a squad that balances youth and experience. The reunion of Iyer and Ponting, who previously collaborated successfully at Delhi Capitals, is expected to bolster the team&rsquo;s performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW141748864 BCX0" paraid="401062424" paraeid="{9b7e9f9c-22d9-468d-9848-48af91fe6850}{122}">Weaknesses of Punjab Kings&nbsp;</h2>
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1. With several new players joining the squad, building on-field chemistry may take time. The integration of diverse talents requires effective communication and understanding.&nbsp;
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2. Historically, Punjab Kings have struggled with maintaining consistent performances throughout the season. Addressing this challenge is crucial for their success in IPL 2025.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW141748864 BCX0" paraid="1673847910" paraeid="{9b7e9f9c-22d9-468d-9848-48af91fe6850}{142}">Strengths of Gujarat Titans&nbsp;</h2>
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1. Gill&rsquo;s approach to leadership is characterised by adaptability and a deep understanding of the game. His ability to remain unflustered under pressure is a valuable asset.&nbsp;
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2. The acquisition of England&rsquo;s white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, for $1.8 million adds firepower to the Titans&rsquo; batting order. Buttler&rsquo;s aggressive style complements Gill&rsquo;s technique, creating a formidable top order.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW141748864 BCX0" paraid="699310724" paraeid="{9b7e9f9c-22d9-468d-9848-48af91fe6850}{162}">Weaknesses of Gujarat Titans&nbsp;</h2>
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1. While Gill&rsquo;s potential as a leader is undeniable, his relative inexperience in captaincy at the IPL level could pose challenges, especially in high-pressure situations.&nbsp;
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2. The Titans&rsquo; bowling attack lacks seasoned campaigners, which could be a vulnerability against strong batting line-ups. Developing young bowlers and strategic rotations will be essential.&nbsp;
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As Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans prepare to face off, the duel between these two young leaders adds an intriguing narrative to the contest. Their fearless leadership styles not only influence their teams&rsquo; performances but also enrich the IPL&rsquo;s legacy of nurturing dynamic and innovative cricketing talent.
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Cricket, Sports: Will Iyer’s calculated leadership trump Gill’s instinctive captaincy? The answers lie in the thrilling battle ahead as they lock horns on Tuesday

The IPL 2025 season is heating up, and one of the most anticipated clashes sees Punjab Kings locking horns with Gujarat Titans. This isn’t just a match—it’s a battle of two fearless young captains, Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill, both leading their teams with determination and tactical brilliance. Iyer, a proven leader with an IPL title under his belt, brings stability and an aggressive mindset to Punjab Kings. On the other hand, Gill, the elegant stroke-maker turned skipper, is crafting his own legacy with Gujarat Titans. Both teams have undergone strategic transformations, building squads that blend raw power, smart game plans, and an insatiable hunger for victory. As Punjab and Gujarat take the field, it’s not just about points on the table—it’s a statement of intent. Who will outthink and outplay the other? Will Iyer’s calculated leadership trump Gill’s instinctive captaincy? The answers lie in the thrilling battle ahead. Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as the captain of Punjab Kings marks a significant chapter in the franchise’s history. Acquired for a staggering approximately $3.18 million, Iyer became the second-most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction. His leadership credentials are well-established, having led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title in 2024. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill’s elevation to the captaincy of Gujarat Titans signifies a new era for the franchise. Known for his elegant batting style and calm demeanor, Gill represents the modern cricketer who combines skill with strategic thinking. Strengths of Punjab Kings 1. Iyer’s proven track record as a captain brings strategic acumen and composure to the team. His previous success with KKR underscores his ability to inspire and lead. 2. Under the guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings have made calculated moves in the auction, assembling a squad that balances youth and experience. The reunion of Iyer and Ponting, who previously collaborated successfully at Delhi Capitals, is expected to bolster the team’s performance. Weaknesses of Punjab Kings 1. With several new players joining the squad, building on-field chemistry may take time. The integration of diverse talents requires effective communication and understanding. 2. Historically, Punjab Kings have struggled with maintaining consistent performances throughout the season. Addressing this challenge is crucial for their success in IPL 2025. Strengths of Gujarat Titans 1. Gill’s approach to leadership is characterised by adaptability and a deep understanding of the game. His ability to remain unflustered under pressure is a valuable asset. 2. The acquisition of England’s white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, for $1.8 million adds firepower to the Titans’ batting order. Buttler’s aggressive style complements Gill’s technique, creating a formidable top order. Weaknesses of Gujarat Titans 1. While Gill’s potential as a leader is undeniable, his relative inexperience in captaincy at the IPL level could pose challenges, especially in high-pressure situations. 2. The Titans’ bowling attack lacks seasoned campaigners, which could be a vulnerability against strong batting line-ups. Developing young bowlers and strategic rotations will be essential. As Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans prepare to face off, the duel between these two young leaders adds an intriguing narrative to the contest. Their fearless leadership styles not only influence their teams’ performances but also enrich the IPL’s legacy of nurturing dynamic and innovative cricketing talent.

IPL 2025 | Battle of Kings vs Titans: Iyer’s Punjab takes on Gill’s Gujarat

Punjab Kings&rsquo; new head coach, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ricky-ponting">Ricky Ponting</a>, is brimming with confidence ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) 2025 season. The Australian World Cup-winning captain believes the franchise has built its strongest squad ever and is determined to secure their maiden IPL title.
During a conversation with meta creators at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, Ponting emphasised his vision for the team, stating, &ldquo;The goal is clear&mdash;we want to win the IPL. From the first day of camp in Dharamshala, I told the players that we are going to create and become the greatest Punjab Kings team ever. It&rsquo;s a journey that takes time, but we are committed to building something special.&rdquo;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-lucknow-super-giants-trolled-as-worst-ipl-franchise-over-viral-social-media-clip-8879131">IPL 2025 | Lucknow Super Giants trolled as 'worst IPL franchise' over viral social media clip</a>
Ponting highlighted the importance of a winning mindset, explaining, &ldquo;Winning is all about attitude. If the opposition wants to beat us, it should feel like they&rsquo;re taking something away from us. I don&rsquo;t want to let anyone take anything away from my team.&rdquo;
<h2>'Musheer has got an infectious attitude'</h2>
He also praised the squad&rsquo;s balance of youth and experience, noting that the blend of young talent and seasoned players will be crucial to their success. Among the emerging stars, Ponting singled out Priyansh Arya, a promising opening batsman, as well as Suryansh Shedge, who has impressed in training. Another young player who has caught his attention is Musheer Khan. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s got an infectious attitude and brings great energy to the team. I&rsquo;ve really enjoyed working with him,&rdquo; Ponting said.
The head coach also stressed the role of experienced overseas players in setting the right example for young Indian cricketers. &ldquo;I expect them to lead by example. The young domestic players look up to them, and if they do things the right way, it sets the standard for the entire squad,&rdquo; he explained.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/punjab-kings">Punjab Kings</a> will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gujarat-titans">Gujarat Titans</a> at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 25. After an away game against Lucknow Super Giants, they will return home to face Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.

Sports, Cricket: Ponting also praised squad’s balance of youth and experience, noting that the blend of young talent & seasoned players will be crucial to their success

Punjab Kings’ new head coach, Ricky Ponting, is brimming with confidence ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The Australian World Cup-winning captain believes the franchise has built its strongest squad ever and is determined to secure their maiden IPL title. During a conversation with meta creators at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, Ponting emphasised his vision for the team, stating, “The goal is clear—we want to win the IPL. From the first day of camp in Dharamshala, I told the players that we are going to create and become the greatest Punjab Kings team ever. It’s a journey that takes time, but we are committed to building something special.” Also Read: IPL 2025 | Lucknow Super Giants trolled as 'worst IPL franchise' over viral social media clip Ponting highlighted the importance of a winning mindset, explaining, “Winning is all about attitude. If the opposition wants to beat us, it should feel like they’re taking something away from us. I don’t want to let anyone take anything away from my team.” 'Musheer has got an infectious attitude' He also praised the squad’s balance of youth and experience, noting that the blend of young talent and seasoned players will be crucial to their success. Among the emerging stars, Ponting singled out Priyansh Arya, a promising opening batsman, as well as Suryansh Shedge, who has impressed in training. Another young player who has caught his attention is Musheer Khan. “He’s got an infectious attitude and brings great energy to the team. I’ve really enjoyed working with him,” Ponting said. The head coach also stressed the role of experienced overseas players in setting the right example for young Indian cricketers. “I expect them to lead by example. The young domestic players look up to them, and if they do things the right way, it sets the standard for the entire squad,” he explained. 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 game against Lucknow Super Giants, they will return home to face Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.

IPL 2025 | 'We are going to become greatest Punjab Kings side', says head coach Ricky Ponting

Punjab Kings have ushered in a new chapter of their IPL journey, unveiling their revamped squad, coaching staff, and leadership under the guidance of head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ricky-ponting">Ricky Ponting</a> and captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer">Shreyas Iyer</a>. Ahead of their opening match, team's CEO Satish Menon along with head coach Ricky Ponting and team captain Shreyas Iyer, laid out its vision for the upcoming season, expressing confidence in their squad composition and future prospects.
Ponting, who took over the coaching reins six months ago, emphasised the importance of rebuilding the team from the ground up. The franchise strategically retained just two young players ahead of the auction, enabling them to enter the bidding process with a substantial purse. This approach allowed Punjab Kings to acquire key Indian talents such as Arshdeep Singh and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yuzvendra-chahal" rel="dofollow">Yuzvendra Chahal</a>, ensuring a robust mix of experience and youth.
&ldquo;We wanted to go into the auction with a clean slate, and I believe we have built an extremely balanced team. Our squad now consists of high-quality Indian players alongside strong overseas talent. The atmosphere in the camp is positive, and the players are motivated to give their best," said Ponting.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-ab-de-villiers-reveals-virat-kohlis-stance-on-ee-sala-cup-namde-chant-8866130">IPL 2025: AB de Villiers reveals Virat Kohli's stance on 'Ee Sala Cup Namde' chant</a>
The appointment of Shreyas Iyer as captain was a pivotal decision for the franchise. Having previously worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals, Ponting expressed his admiration for the batsman&rsquo;s leadership skills and winning mentality. &ldquo;Shreyas is an IPL-winning captain and one of the finest cricketers I have worked with. His presence will be instrumental in shaping our team&rsquo;s identity," Ponting added.
Iyer, confident in his approach, declared his preferred batting position at No. 3, indicating clarity in his role within the team. &ldquo;I am focusing on anchoring the innings at No. 3. It&rsquo;s a position I am comfortable with, and I believe I can contribute significantly from there," he said.
As the franchise gears up for IPL 2025, they face the challenge of improving their home record, which has been underwhelming in recent seasons. Ponting and Iyer both stressed the importance of turning their home ground into a fortress and establishing dominance. &ldquo;The past results don&rsquo;t matter. We have a fresh team and a fresh mindset. We will analyse conditions, understand what works best for our venue, and ensure we make it a tough place for visiting teams," opined Ponting.
<h2>'We will be dynamic and destructive'</h2>
Menon echoed the sentiment of building a strong Punjab identity within the team. With the inclusion of several local players, the franchise aims to resonate with its regional fanbase and create a distinct cultural bond. &ldquo;We are working on fostering a sense of togetherness within the squad. Having five Punjab players in the team adds to the local flavor and strengthens our identity. The camaraderie between players and the coaching staff is excellent," said Menon.
The franchise is also focused on expanding its fanbase, recognising that success on the field plays a crucial role in drawing support. &ldquo;Winning brings fans. We already have a dedicated following, but this season, we aim to increase our reach significantly," Menon hinted at upcoming initiatives to enhance engagement.
With pre-season training underway and practice matches lined up, Punjab Kings are determined to set the tone early. Their opening encounter against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad will be a significant test, and Ponting has assured fans that they will witness an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket. &ldquo;When we step onto the field, we will be dynamic, determined, and destructive. We are here to entertain and, most importantly, to win," Ponting signed off.
As Punjab Kings embark on their renewed IPL journey, the anticipation among fans is palpable. With a fresh squad, strategic leadership, and a well-defined vision, the team looks poised for an exciting season ahead.

Sports, Cricket: The franchise strategically retained just two young players ahead of the auction, enabling them to enter the bidding process with a substantial purse

Punjab Kings have ushered in a new chapter of their IPL journey, unveiling their revamped squad, coaching staff, and leadership under the guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer. Ahead of their opening match, team's CEO Satish Menon along with head coach Ricky Ponting and team captain Shreyas Iyer, laid out its vision for the upcoming season, expressing confidence in their squad composition and future prospects. Ponting, who took over the coaching reins six months ago, emphasised the importance of rebuilding the team from the ground up. The franchise strategically retained just two young players ahead of the auction, enabling them to enter the bidding process with a substantial purse. This approach allowed Punjab Kings to acquire key Indian talents such as Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, ensuring a robust mix of experience and youth. “We wanted to go into the auction with a clean slate, and I believe we have built an extremely balanced team. Our squad now consists of high-quality Indian players alongside strong overseas talent. The atmosphere in the camp is positive, and the players are motivated to give their best," said Ponting. Also Read: IPL 2025: AB de Villiers reveals Virat Kohli's stance on 'Ee Sala Cup Namde' chant The appointment of Shreyas Iyer as captain was a pivotal decision for the franchise. Having previously worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals, Ponting expressed his admiration for the batsman’s leadership skills and winning mentality. “Shreyas is an IPL-winning captain and one of the finest cricketers I have worked with. His presence will be instrumental in shaping our team’s identity," Ponting added. Iyer, confident in his approach, declared his preferred batting position at No. 3, indicating clarity in his role within the team. “I am focusing on anchoring the innings at No. 3. It’s a position I am comfortable with, and I believe I can contribute significantly from there," he said. As the franchise gears up for IPL 2025, they face the challenge of improving their home record, which has been underwhelming in recent seasons. Ponting and Iyer both stressed the importance of turning their home ground into a fortress and establishing dominance. “The past results don’t matter. We have a fresh team and a fresh mindset. We will analyse conditions, understand what works best for our venue, and ensure we make it a tough place for visiting teams," opined Ponting. 'We will be dynamic and destructive' Menon echoed the sentiment of building a strong Punjab identity within the team. With the inclusion of several local players, the franchise aims to resonate with its regional fanbase and create a distinct cultural bond. “We are working on fostering a sense of togetherness within the squad. Having five Punjab players in the team adds to the local flavor and strengthens our identity. The camaraderie between players and the coaching staff is excellent," said Menon. The franchise is also focused on expanding its fanbase, recognising that success on the field plays a crucial role in drawing support. “Winning brings fans. We already have a dedicated following, but this season, we aim to increase our reach significantly," Menon hinted at upcoming initiatives to enhance engagement. With pre-season training underway and practice matches lined up, Punjab Kings are determined to set the tone early. Their opening encounter against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad will be a significant test, and Ponting has assured fans that they will witness an aggressive, fearless brand of cricket. “When we step onto the field, we will be dynamic, determined, and destructive. We are here to entertain and, most importantly, to win," Ponting signed off. As Punjab Kings embark on their renewed IPL journey, the anticipation among fans is palpable. With a fresh squad, strategic leadership, and a well-defined vision, the team looks poised for an exciting season ahead.

IPL 2025 | 'We are here to entertain and, most importantly, to win', says PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer">Shreyas Iyer</a> recently shared a nostalgic memory from the inaugural edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL), when he was a ball boy at Wankhede Stadium during a match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The young cricketer, who was playing for Mumbai's U-14 team at the time, got his first glimpse of IPL up close, an experience that left a lasting impact on him.
Speaking on &lsquo;Superstars&rsquo; programme, hosted by the digital broadcasters, Iyer recalled being a shy teenager but mustering the courage to interact with New Zealand&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ross-taylor">Ross Taylor</a>, who was playing for RCB.
"I grew up playing street cricket and was lucky to be a ball boy for that match. I remember being reserved while my friends approached players, but I decided to give it a try. Ross Taylor was one of my favourite players, so I went up to him and said, &lsquo;Sir, I am a big fan of yours.&rsquo; He was very sweet and thanked me. Back then, it was common for kids to ask for bats or gloves, but I was too shy, even though I really wanted to," he said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-rishabh-pant-aims-to-lead-proactively-as-lucknow-super-giants-gears-up-for-season-8865464">IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant aims to 'lead proactively' as Lucknow Super Giants gears up for season</a>
<h2>'Memory has stayed with me over the years'</h2>
Iyer also fondly recalled meeting Punjab Kings' all-rounder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/irfan-pathan">Irfan Pathan</a> during the same game. "I still remember Irfan Pathan standing at long-on. He sat with us and asked if we were enjoying the match. We told him we were having a great time. At that time, Irfan bhai was hugely popular, and Punjab Kings had some of the most good-looking boys, including Yuvi pa (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yuvraj-singh">Yuvraj Singh</a>). It&rsquo;s a memory that has stayed with me over the years," he added.
Since making his IPL debut in 2015, Iyer has made 3,127 runs at an average of 32.23 and a strike rate of 127.47, with 21 fifties. He was named the 'Emerging Player' in his debut season after scoring 439 runs for the Delhi Capitals. His leadership skills came to the fore in 2018 when he captained DC, guiding them to the 2020 finals. After moving to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022, he led them to their first title in a decade in 2024 under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir.
Now, as PBKS skipper, Iyer will aim to recreate his past successes when his team kicks off its 2025 campaign against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 25.

Sports, Cricket: Shreyas Iyer, who was playing for Mumbai's U-14 team at the time, got his first glimpse of IPL up close, an experience that left a lasting impact on him

Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer recently shared a nostalgic memory from the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), when he was a ball boy at Wankhede Stadium during a match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The young cricketer, who was playing for Mumbai's U-14 team at the time, got his first glimpse of IPL up close, an experience that left a lasting impact on him. Speaking on ‘Superstars’ programme, hosted by the digital broadcasters, Iyer recalled being a shy teenager but mustering the courage to interact with New Zealand’s Ross Taylor, who was playing for RCB. "I grew up playing street cricket and was lucky to be a ball boy for that match. I remember being reserved while my friends approached players, but I decided to give it a try. Ross Taylor was one of my favourite players, so I went up to him and said, ‘Sir, I am a big fan of yours.’ He was very sweet and thanked me. Back then, it was common for kids to ask for bats or gloves, but I was too shy, even though I really wanted to," he said. Also Read: IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant aims to 'lead proactively' as Lucknow Super Giants gears up for season 'Memory has stayed with me over the years' Iyer also fondly recalled meeting Punjab Kings' all-rounder Irfan Pathan during the same game. "I still remember Irfan Pathan standing at long-on. He sat with us and asked if we were enjoying the match. We told him we were having a great time. At that time, Irfan bhai was hugely popular, and Punjab Kings had some of the most good-looking boys, including Yuvi pa (Yuvraj Singh). It’s a memory that has stayed with me over the years," he added. Since making his IPL debut in 2015, Iyer has made 3,127 runs at an average of 32.23 and a strike rate of 127.47, with 21 fifties. He was named the 'Emerging Player' in his debut season after scoring 439 runs for the Delhi Capitals. His leadership skills came to the fore in 2018 when he captained DC, guiding them to the 2020 finals. After moving to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022, he led them to their first title in a decade in 2024 under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir. Now, as PBKS skipper, Iyer will aim to recreate his past successes when his team kicks off its 2025 campaign against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 25.

IPL 2025: PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer recalls IPL debut as a ball boy, meeting Ross Taylor and Irfan Pathan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/punjab-kings">Punjab Kings</a>&rsquo; new addition and blazing young batter Priyansh Arya is all set for the upcoming edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL). Arya, who has been playing cricket since the age of 9, was picked by the Kings in the 2025 mega auction and will be playing his first-ever IPL season. &nbsp; &ldquo;I am really excited to meet head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ricky-ponting">Ricky Ponting</a>. I love his pull shot. Apart from that, I am also excited to meet Shreyas. I love his attitude and the way he walks. I have never met Shreyas earlier. I think he is a great leader, he has won IPL and all domestic trophies as a captain. So I feel he is the best leader," the 24-year-old said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-first-set-of-indian-players-support-staff-leave-for-dubai-8723558">Champions Trophy 2025: First set of Indian players, support staff leave for Dubai</a> Arya took the nation by storm when he hit six sixes in an over, in Delhi&rsquo;s domestic T20 league in August 2024, becoming the fourth Indian cricketer to do so. Recalling the moment, he revealed that a special message came for him, after he achieved the feat, from India&rsquo;s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav.
<h2>'SKY told me to believe in myself'&nbsp;</h2>
&ldquo;After three sixes, I believed that I could hit six sixes as well, as my partner Ayush Badoni was hitting four to five sixes in an over, in every match. After I did so, Suryakumar Yadav messaged me and said that my batting was total entertainment and asked me to keep believing in myself. It was quite motivating for me.&rdquo; Ahead of IPL season 17, Arya was up for auction but was not grabbed by any franchise. But he did not let the setback deter him and he continued to work hard on his game. &nbsp; Recalling his emotions before last season's IPL, the 24-year-old opening batter, said, "I felt bad about not being selected. This year, again, I had a lot of expectations from the auctions but I was not thinking about it and was focused on Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 matches."
"After I was picked by Punjab Kings, I was elated but could not celebrate much as I continued to focus on the tournaments. I will surely celebrate soon," Arya said. &nbsp; Coached by World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting and led by the talented Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings will enter IPL 2025 in an all-new avatar and begin their title quest.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Arya took the nation by storm when he hit six sixes in an over, in Delhi’s domestic T20 league in August 2024, becoming the fourth Indian cricketer to do so

Punjab Kings’ new addition and blazing young batter Priyansh Arya is all set for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Arya, who has been playing cricket since the age of 9, was picked by the Kings in the 2025 mega auction and will be playing his first-ever IPL season. “I am really excited to meet head coach Ricky Ponting. I love his pull shot. Apart from that, I am also excited to meet Shreyas. I love his attitude and the way he walks. I have never met Shreyas earlier. I think he is a great leader, he has won IPL and all domestic trophies as a captain. So I feel he is the best leader," the 24-year-old said. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: First set of Indian players, support staff leave for Dubai Arya took the nation by storm when he hit six sixes in an over, in Delhi’s domestic T20 league in August 2024, becoming the fourth Indian cricketer to do so. Recalling the moment, he revealed that a special message came for him, after he achieved the feat, from India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. 'SKY told me to believe in myself' “After three sixes, I believed that I could hit six sixes as well, as my partner Ayush Badoni was hitting four to five sixes in an over, in every match. After I did so, Suryakumar Yadav messaged me and said that my batting was total entertainment and asked me to keep believing in myself. It was quite motivating for me.” Ahead of IPL season 17, Arya was up for auction but was not grabbed by any franchise. But he did not let the setback deter him and he continued to work hard on his game. Recalling his emotions before last season's IPL, the 24-year-old opening batter, said, "I felt bad about not being selected. This year, again, I had a lot of expectations from the auctions but I was not thinking about it and was focused on Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 matches." "After I was picked by Punjab Kings, I was elated but could not celebrate much as I continued to focus on the tournaments. I will surely celebrate soon," Arya said. Coached by World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting and led by the talented Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings will enter IPL 2025 in an all-new avatar and begin their title quest. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: 'I love his attitude', Priyansh Arya excited to play under Shreyas Iyer

Indian Premier League (IPL) side Punjab Kings' head coach Ricky Ponting has revealed that India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer">Shreyas Iyer</a>, pacer Arshdeep Singh and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal were non-negotiable for him. Ponting, who shifted base from Delhi to Punjab this season, managed to get all three players in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-mega-auction-2024-list-of-most-expensive-players-sold-778836">IPL mega auction</a> which took place in November 2024.
"There were three players that I wanted to bring in. One who has been at Punjab Kings for three or four years&mdash;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/arshdeep-singh">Arshdeep Singh</a>. I also wanted to bring in a captain who I have worked with before and who has had a lot of success. So, we went after Shreyas Iyer. I also wanted to bring in Yuzi. So the Indian guys that we have are perfect,&rdquo; Ponting said in a release shared by Punjab Kings.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-shreyas-iyer-reveals-he-wasnt-supposed-to-play-1st-odi-in-nagpur-virat-kohli-injury-update-8698266">Shreyas Iyer reveals he wasn't supposed to play 1st ODI in Nagpur</a>
&ldquo;And then, we had to make a few tweaks as the auction went on to make sure we ended up with a really good squad. I am trying to make things different and rebuild and have the right people around me. But these three were non-negotiables," the former Aussie skipper added.
Punjab bought Iyer for a whopping INR 23.75 crore ($2.83 million approx) and Chahal for INR 18 crore ($2.2 million approx) - making him the most expensive spinner in IPL history. Arshdeep, meanwhile, was retained ahead of the mega auction for the same price as Chahal.
<h2>Iyer shines in first IND vs ENG ODI</h2>
Shreyas Iyer, after being included in the playing XI on Thursday (Feb 6) against England at the very last minute, scored a match-winning 59 off 36 balls.
Iyer came in to bat at number four and added 94 runs with Shubman Gill for the third wicket before being trapped LBW by Jacob Bethell on the last ball of the 16th over.
The partnership, however, laid the groundwork for India's chase after two quick wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Rohit Sharma. Both the openers were back in the hut inside six overs with just 19 runs on the board in the chase of 248.
After Iyer's dismissal, Gill (87) and Axar Patel (52) added 108 runs for the fourth wicket as India reached the target in the 37th over with four wickets in hand.

Ponting, who shifted base from Delhi to Punjab this season, managed to get all three players in the IPL mega auction which took place in November 2024. Cricket Sports

Indian Premier League (IPL) side Punjab Kings' head coach Ricky Ponting has revealed that India batter Shreyas Iyer, pacer Arshdeep Singh and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal were non-negotiable for him. Ponting, who shifted base from Delhi to Punjab this season, managed to get all three players in the IPL mega auction which took place in November 2024. "There were three players that I wanted to bring in. One who has been at Punjab Kings for three or four years—Arshdeep Singh. I also wanted to bring in a captain who I have worked with before and who has had a lot of success. So, we went after Shreyas Iyer. I also wanted to bring in Yuzi. So the Indian guys that we have are perfect,” Ponting said in a release shared by Punjab Kings. Also Read: Shreyas Iyer reveals he wasn't supposed to play 1st ODI in Nagpur “And then, we had to make a few tweaks as the auction went on to make sure we ended up with a really good squad. I am trying to make things different and rebuild and have the right people around me. But these three were non-negotiables," the former Aussie skipper added. Punjab bought Iyer for a whopping INR 23.75 crore ($2.83 million approx) and Chahal for INR 18 crore ($2.2 million approx) - making him the most expensive spinner in IPL history. Arshdeep, meanwhile, was retained ahead of the mega auction for the same price as Chahal. Iyer shines in first IND vs ENG ODI Shreyas Iyer, after being included in the playing XI on Thursday (Feb 6) against England at the very last minute, scored a match-winning 59 off 36 balls. Iyer came in to bat at number four and added 94 runs with Shubman Gill for the third wicket before being trapped LBW by Jacob Bethell on the last ball of the 16th over. The partnership, however, laid the groundwork for India's chase after two quick wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Rohit Sharma. Both the openers were back in the hut inside six overs with just 19 runs on the board in the chase of 248. After Iyer's dismissal, Gill (87) and Axar Patel (52) added 108 runs for the fourth wicket as India reached the target in the 37th over with four wickets in hand.

IPL 2025: 'Non-negotiables,' Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting reveals three Indian players he absolutely wanted in mega auction

India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer" rel="dofollow">Shreyas Iyer</a> created a unique record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being named the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-news-shreyas-iyer-news-punjab-kings-skipper-8613563" rel="dofollow">skipper of Punjab Kings (PBKS)</a>. With the announcement, Iyer became the first Indian player to lead three different teams in the IPL. Iyer had previously led Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as well.
<h2>Shreyas Iyer in IPL</h2>
Iyer started his IPL career with DC in 2015 and was named the skipper mid-way in 2018 season. Under him Delhi made the playoffs each on the three seasons (2018, 2019 and 2020) and finished runners-up in the 2020 season - their best performance in the league. He stayed with DC till 2021 season.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/the-greatest-rivalry-india-vs-pakistan-netflix-documentary-to-feature-former-cricketers-know-release-date-8617979" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;The Greatest Rivalry &ndash; India vs Pakistan&rsquo; comes to OTT - Know details</a>
Iyer then joined KKR as the skipper from 2022 season onwards,. He didn't play 2023 season due to injury but led the team to title in 2024 season.
PBKS spent a whopping INR 26.75 crore (US $3.18 million approx) at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-mega-auction-2025-updated-final-squad-all-teams-complete-player-list-csk-rcb-mi-gt-kkr-rr-srh-lsg-dc-pbks-779112">IPL 2025 mega auction</a> to buy Iyer - making him the second most expensive player in the league history.
PBKS have never won an IPL title, and they'd like to change that fact with Iyer at helm now. Iyer is also one of only eight captains to win an IPL trophy.
"I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with coach [Ricky] Ponting," Iyer said in the release by PBKS announcing his captaincy. "The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title."
This year, he has been effective as Mumbai team captain in the domestic T20 tournament Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and led them to the title win as well. Additionally, Iyer was part of the Mumbai team that won the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Trophy as well.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer is the first Indian player to lead three different IPL teams. He has previously led the Delhi Capitals & Kolkata Knight Riders as well. Cricket Sports

India batter Shreyas Iyer created a unique record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being named the skipper of Punjab Kings (PBKS). With the announcement, Iyer became the first Indian player to lead three different teams in the IPL. Iyer had previously led Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as well. Shreyas Iyer in IPL Iyer started his IPL career with DC in 2015 and was named the skipper mid-way in 2018 season. Under him Delhi made the playoffs each on the three seasons (2018, 2019 and 2020) and finished runners-up in the 2020 season - their best performance in the league. He stayed with DC till 2021 season. Also Read: ‘The Greatest Rivalry – India vs Pakistan’ comes to OTT - Know details Iyer then joined KKR as the skipper from 2022 season onwards,. He didn't play 2023 season due to injury but led the team to title in 2024 season. PBKS spent a whopping INR 26.75 crore (US $3.18 million approx) at the IPL 2025 mega auction to buy Iyer - making him the second most expensive player in the league history. PBKS have never won an IPL title, and they'd like to change that fact with Iyer at helm now. Iyer is also one of only eight captains to win an IPL trophy. "I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with coach [Ricky] Ponting," Iyer said in the release by PBKS announcing his captaincy. "The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title." This year, he has been effective as Mumbai team captain in the domestic T20 tournament Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and led them to the title win as well. Additionally, Iyer was part of the Mumbai team that won the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Trophy as well.

IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer creates unique record as Punjab Kings captain

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) have named India batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer">Shreyas Iyer</a> as their new skipper. The announcement came on Sunday (Jan 12) through a press release by the IPL team. The tournament is expected to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-start-date-march-23-says-bcci-vice-president-rajiv-shukla-8612858">start on March 21</a>.
<h2>Iyer new PBKS skipper</h2>
"I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with coach [Ricky] Ponting," Iyer said in the release. "The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/vijay-hazare-trophy-matches-scores-karun-nair-news-five-hundred-in-7-matches-vidarbha-beat-rajasthan-haryana-beat-gujarat-8613205">Vijay Hazare Trophy matches: Karun Nair, scoring at average of 664, hits 5th ton in seven games for Vidarbha</a>
PBKS' coach Ricky Pointing also backed the decision to appoint Iyer as the captain and said: "Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver." &nbsp;
"I have enjoyed my time with Iyer in the past in IPL, and I look forward to working with him again. With his leadership and the talent in the squad, I am excited about the seasons ahead," Ponting added.
Iyer was bought by PBKS at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-mega-auction-2025-updated-final-squad-all-teams-complete-player-list-csk-rcb-mi-gt-kkr-rr-srh-lsg-dc-pbks-779112">IPL mega auction 2025</a> for a whopping INR 26.75 crore (US $3.18 million approx) as one of the most expensive buys in the league history. Punjab outbid Delhi Capitals for Iyer&mdash;a team for which the India batter has played in the past.
Ahead of the auction, Iyer was with Kolkata Knight Riders from 2022 and 2024 and served as the skipper. Under Iyer, KKR became the IPL 2024 champion. Iyer is one of only eight captains to win an IPL trophy, and he would like to add another with PBKS, which have never won one.
This season, Iyer also led Mumbai to India's domestic T20 tournament Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title.

Shreyas Iyer was bought by PBKS at the IPL mega auction 2025 for a whopping INR 26.75 crore (US $3.18 million approx) as one of the most expensive buys in history. Sports Cricket

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) have named India batter Shreyas Iyer as their new skipper. The announcement came on Sunday (Jan 12) through a press release by the IPL team. The tournament is expected to start on March 21. Iyer new PBKS skipper "I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with coach [Ricky] Ponting," Iyer said in the release. "The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title." Also Read: Vijay Hazare Trophy matches: Karun Nair, scoring at average of 664, hits 5th ton in seven games for Vidarbha PBKS' coach Ricky Pointing also backed the decision to appoint Iyer as the captain and said: "Shreyas has a great mind for the game. His proven capabilities as captain will enable the team to deliver." "I have enjoyed my time with Iyer in the past in IPL, and I look forward to working with him again. With his leadership and the talent in the squad, I am excited about the seasons ahead," Ponting added. Iyer was bought by PBKS at the IPL mega auction 2025 for a whopping INR 26.75 crore (US $3.18 million approx) as one of the most expensive buys in the league history. Punjab outbid Delhi Capitals for Iyer—a team for which the India batter has played in the past. Ahead of the auction, Iyer was with Kolkata Knight Riders from 2022 and 2024 and served as the skipper. Under Iyer, KKR became the IPL 2024 champion. Iyer is one of only eight captains to win an IPL trophy, and he would like to add another with PBKS, which have never won one. This season, Iyer also led Mumbai to India's domestic T20 tournament Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title.

IPL 2025: Punjab Kings name Shreyas Iyer as new skipper

Punjab Kings didn’t leave a stone unturned in their efforts to bag India batter Shreyas Iyer on day one of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The franchise’s new coach, Ricky Ponting, reflected on his massive bid (INR 26.75 crore), which, until Rishabh Pant’s name came across, was the highest ever in IPL auction history. Having worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals before, Ponting knew what he was doing at the auction table, beating everyone to seal Iyer’s deal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-mega-auction-csk-coach-stephen-fleming-reflects-on-ravi-ashwins-homecoming-778996">IPL 2025 Mega Auction: CSK coach Stephen Fleming reflects on Ravi Ashwin’s ‘homecoming’</a>

Given the budget with which Punjab Kings entered the IPL auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, they were to chase either Iyer, Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul to fill the captain’s slot. With Pant (to LSG for INR 27 crore) and KL Rahul (to DC for INR 14 crore) going elsewhere, Punjab got Iyer, a potential captain, which Ponting wanted.

"He'll be a great leader for our team if we decide to go that way, which I'm pretty sure we probably will," Ricky Ponting said after acquiring his services.&nbsp;

"I wanted to work with Shreyas," Ponting said while chatting with Star Sports.

"I've worked with him before, and he is a great guy and a great player. He'll be a great leader for our team if we decide to go that way, which I'm pretty sure we probably will. And obviously, he was the championship-winning captain last year. So, there are lots of great things about bringing him to Punjab."

Meanwhile, Iyer was Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain last season, guiding them to their third IPL title by beating SunRisers Hyderabad in the final.

Despite his credentials, things didn’t work out between Iyer and KKR, with both parties mutually parting ahead of the retention date.&nbsp;

<h2>Chahal, Arshdeep back to PBKS</h2>

On the other hand, PBKS also made valuable buys in two Indian bowlers – Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, both for INR 18 crore each. Speaking of rejoining PBKS, Chahal said he didn’t expect this amount but admits deserving every ounce of it for what he brings to the table. For the record, the leg-spinner is IPL’s highest wicket-taker with 205 scalps.&nbsp;

"I was quite nervous and anxious because this amount is what I got in the last three seasons combined.

"I had a hunch, and even my friends told me that I'd go to Punjab, but I had no idea it would be for such a high price. I had 12-13 crore in mind, but I do deserve this. Wherever you go, you always have the opportunity to learn and grow, and I'll make sure to work hard and deliver my best,” Chahal said while talking to Jio Cinema.&nbsp;

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𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲, 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 💪 
 
Yuzi is all set to spin his magic 🎩 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YuzvendraChahal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YuzvendraChahal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2025Auction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2025Auction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://t.co/lPsyEYaSpp">pic.twitter.com/lPsyEYaSpp</a>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1860694319180763469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Ponting also talked about PBKS buying Arshdeep Singh, whom they didn’t retain earlier. The left-arm quick was the first name to be auctioned, with his former IPL franchise securing his services again.

"We had certain targets coming into the auction as every team does. Arshdeep was obviously the first one," Ponting said.&nbsp;

"He's been in our franchise for a number of years. I was really keen to get him back. Left-arm fast bowler, obviously, with a great skill set with the new ball and the old ball and, you know, one of India's leading wicket-takers in T20 cricket. So, he was a perfect fit for us,” the head coach continued.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Punjab Kings didn’t leave a stone unturned in their efforts to bag India batter Shreyas Iyer on day one of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The franchise’s new coach, Ricky Ponting, reflected on his massive bid (INR 26.

Punjab Kings didn’t leave a stone unturned in their efforts to bag India batter Shreyas Iyer on day one of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The franchise’s new coach, Ricky Ponting, reflected on his massive bid (INR 26.75 crore), which, until Rishabh Pant’s name came across, was the highest ever in IPL auction history. Having worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals before, Ponting knew what he was doing at the auction table, beating everyone to seal Iyer’s deal. ALSO READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: CSK coach Stephen Fleming reflects on Ravi Ashwin’s ‘homecoming’ Given the budget with which Punjab Kings entered the IPL auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, they were to chase either Iyer, Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul to fill the captain’s slot. With Pant (to LSG for INR 27 crore) and KL Rahul (to DC for INR 14 crore) going elsewhere, Punjab got Iyer, a potential captain, which Ponting wanted. "He'll be a great leader for our team if we decide to go that way, which I'm pretty sure we probably will," Ricky Ponting said after acquiring his services. "I wanted to work with Shreyas," Ponting said while chatting with Star Sports. "I've worked with him before, and he is a great guy and a great player. He'll be a great leader for our team if we decide to go that way, which I'm pretty sure we probably will. And obviously, he was the championship-winning captain last year. So, there are lots of great things about bringing him to Punjab." Meanwhile, Iyer was Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain last season, guiding them to their third IPL title by beating SunRisers Hyderabad in the final. Despite his credentials, things didn’t work out between Iyer and KKR, with both parties mutually parting ahead of the retention date. Chahal, Arshdeep back to PBKS On the other hand, PBKS also made valuable buys in two Indian bowlers – Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, both for INR 18 crore each. Speaking of rejoining PBKS, Chahal said he didn’t expect this amount but admits deserving every ounce of it for what he brings to the table. For the record, the leg-spinner is IPL’s highest wicket-taker with 205 scalps. "I was quite nervous and anxious because this amount is what I got in the last three seasons combined. "I had a hunch, and even my friends told me that I'd go to Punjab, but I had no idea it would be for such a high price. I had 12-13 crore in mind, but I do deserve this. Wherever you go, you always have the opportunity to learn and grow, and I'll make sure to work hard and deliver my best,” Chahal said while talking to Jio Cinema. 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐲, 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 💪 Yuzi is all set to spin his magic 🎩 #YuzvendraChahal #IPL2025Auction #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/lPsyEYaSpp — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 24, 2024 × Ponting also talked about PBKS buying Arshdeep Singh, whom they didn’t retain earlier. The left-arm quick was the first name to be auctioned, with his former IPL franchise securing his services again. "We had certain targets coming into the auction as every team does. Arshdeep was obviously the first one," Ponting said. "He's been in our franchise for a number of years. I was really keen to get him back. Left-arm fast bowler, obviously, with a great skill set with the new ball and the old ball and, you know, one of India's leading wicket-takers in T20 cricket. So, he was a perfect fit for us,” the head coach continued. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: ‘I wanted to work with Shreyas’ – Ricky Ponting on why PBKS splurged on ‘potential captain’

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions are around the corner as teams look to shuffle the pack for the 2025 season. While there could be some surprising reunions, teams will look to make sure there isn’t bad blood in the camp. One particular reunion that will be avoided will be that of Virender Sehwag and Glenn Maxwell. While Sehwag is currently not in proximity with any team, Maxwell still has high stocks and could land at any team.

<h2>Why is there&nbsp;bad blood between Sehwag and Maxwell?</h2>

In his new book, Maxwell explained the reason why he is not on good terms having fallen out with him during the Indian Premier League (IPL 2017) season. The duo was mentor and player that time before things went on a bad track. According to the book, Maxwell’s decisions as captain were not respected by Sehwag and there came a point where the team was run by the latter.

During IPL 2017, despite coach J Arun Kumar’s presence, Sehwag pulled the strings while Maxwell’s decision to add other coaching members to the Whatsapp group where key decisions were made did not go well.

The peak of the saga was when Ishant Sharma was not supposed to play while Eoin Morgan was drafted in place of pacer Matt Henry. The decision according to Maxwell made no sense as Punjab Kings later lost the match.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-new-zealand-in-pole-position-in-pune-test-after-indian-batters-disappoint-on-day-2-770712">IND vs NZ: Advantage New Zealand in Pune Test after Indian batters disappoint on Day 2</a>

After the match, the fallout was evident with Maxwell prohibited from doing the press conference, instead Sehwag came slotted in. On their way back to the hotel, Maxwell was removed from the team’s main WhatsApp group, all but ending his ties with the franchise.

Maxwell texted Sehwag to say how much it hurt to read those comments and added that he had lost a fan in me for the way he had conducted himself. Sehwag's response was simple: "Don't need a fan like you." We never spoke again. I knew my time was at an end and told the owners as much: if Sehwag was going to stick around, they were making a mistake and not to bother with me. He only lasted one more season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions are around the corner as teams look to shuffle the pack for the 2025 season. While there could be some surprising reunions, teams will look to make sure there isn’t bad blood in the camp.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions are around the corner as teams look to shuffle the pack for the 2025 season. While there could be some surprising reunions, teams will look to make sure there isn’t bad blood in the camp. One particular reunion that will be avoided will be that of Virender Sehwag and Glenn Maxwell. While Sehwag is currently not in proximity with any team, Maxwell still has high stocks and could land at any team. Why is there bad blood between Sehwag and Maxwell? In his new book, Maxwell explained the reason why he is not on good terms having fallen out with him during the Indian Premier League (IPL 2017) season. The duo was mentor and player that time before things went on a bad track. According to the book, Maxwell’s decisions as captain were not respected by Sehwag and there came a point where the team was run by the latter. During IPL 2017, despite coach J Arun Kumar’s presence, Sehwag pulled the strings while Maxwell’s decision to add other coaching members to the Whatsapp group where key decisions were made did not go well. The peak of the saga was when Ishant Sharma was not supposed to play while Eoin Morgan was drafted in place of pacer Matt Henry. The decision according to Maxwell made no sense as Punjab Kings later lost the match. ALSO READ | IND vs NZ: Advantage New Zealand in Pune Test after Indian batters disappoint on Day 2 After the match, the fallout was evident with Maxwell prohibited from doing the press conference, instead Sehwag came slotted in. On their way back to the hotel, Maxwell was removed from the team’s main WhatsApp group, all but ending his ties with the franchise. Maxwell texted Sehwag to say how much it hurt to read those comments and added that he had lost a fan in me for the way he had conducted himself. Sehwag's response was simple: "Don't need a fan like you." We never spoke again. I knew my time was at an end and told the owners as much: if Sehwag was going to stick around, they were making a mistake and not to bother with me. He only lasted one more season.

'Don't need a fan like you': The story of fallout between Virender Sehwag and Glenn Maxwell at Punjab Kings

IPL franchise Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta finally won a trophy, but elsewhere. In the CPL 2024 final on Monday (Oct 7), St Lucia Kings beat defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) by six wickets to lift the trophy, with USA’s Aaron Jones and West Indies all-rounder Roston Chase starring with the bat in the run chase.

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Five days ago, Aaron Jones told his coach Daren Sammy that he'll win the Kings the CPL Final. 
 
With a knock of 48* off 30 tonight, he did just that. 🫡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPLonFanCode?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPLonFanCode</a> <a href="https://t.co/rG5qUmeNjr">pic.twitter.com/rG5qUmeNjr</a>
— FanCode (@FanCode) <a href="https://twitter.com/FanCode/status/1843139726989262909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Two months after sprinter Julien Alfred won St Lucia’s maiden gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024, former two-time T20 World Cup winner Darren Sammy coached the Kings franchise to their maiden title. That, however, also ended Preity Zinta’s wait for a cricket trophy.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, St Lucia won the toss and elected to bowl first. After getting rid of dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz on a duck, the bowlers three quick wickets in Shai Hope, Moeen Ali and Shimron Hetmyer to dent GAW's run-rate, with Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed picking two.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandyas-swagger-grows-in-gwalior-with-no-look-shot-watch-765091">Hardik Pandya’s swagger grows in Gwalior with ‘no-look shot’ – WATCH</a>

The wickets kept tumbling as the inning progressed, putting pressure on the defending champions; however, the two all-rounders Romario Shepherd and Dwaine Pretorius saved the day with late cameos, as Guyana scored 138 for eight in 20 overs.&nbsp;

<h2>Jones, Chase won it for St Lucia</h2>

St Lucia lost early wickets inside the Powerplay, including their captain, Faf du Plessis, on run-a-ball 21.&nbsp;

With their scorecard reeling at 51 for four at one stage, St Lucia needed a gigantic effort from its batter to win from that position.&nbsp;

Come in USA’s Aaron Jones and WI's Roston Chase, and the pair pulled the team out of trouble. Instead of deploying a defensive approach, the two batters began with the onslaught, with Jones taking the lead.&nbsp;

An 88-run stand for the fifth wicket saw Jones hitting an unbeaten 48 off 31 balls, including four sixes and two fours, while the experienced Chase played second-fiddle, scoring 39 not out off 22 balls, smashing two sixes and as many fours.

St Lucia won the match in the 19th over, with jubilation beginning in the dressing room.

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All Hail the Kings 👑 
 
Saint Lucia Kings dethrone the defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors to claim their first-ever CPL title! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPLonFanCode?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPLonFanCode</a> <a href="https://t.co/DpJuwZUJVj">pic.twitter.com/DpJuwZUJVj</a>
— FanCode (@FanCode) <a href="https://twitter.com/FanCode/status/1843145531998265351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Besides, while receiving the CPL 2024 trophy, Faf du Plessis mimicked WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair’s famous walk, which even India captain Rohit Sharma did after winning the T20 World Cup final in the Americas. &nbsp;

<h3>WATCH VIDEO -&nbsp;</h3>

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A euphoric moment for the Saint Lucia Kings! 🇱🇨 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL24</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPLFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPLFinals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLKvGAW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLKvGAW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BiggestPartyInSport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BiggestPartyInSport</a> <a href="https://t.co/fQZSG3C4WV">pic.twitter.com/fQZSG3C4WV</a>
— CPL T20 (@CPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPL/status/1843146866164445283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

IPL franchise Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta finally won a trophy, but elsewhere. In the CPL 2024 final on Monday (Oct 7), St Lucia Kings beat defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) by six wickets to lift the trophy, with USA’s Aaron Jones and West Indies all-rounder Roston Chase starring with the bat in the run chase.

IPL franchise Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta finally won a trophy, but elsewhere. In the CPL 2024 final on Monday (Oct 7), St Lucia Kings beat defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) by six wickets to lift the trophy, with USA’s Aaron Jones and West Indies all-rounder Roston Chase starring with the bat in the run chase. Five days ago, Aaron Jones told his coach Daren Sammy that he'll win the Kings the CPL Final. With a knock of 48* off 30 tonight, he did just that. 🫡#CPLonFanCode pic.twitter.com/rG5qUmeNjr — FanCode (@FanCode) October 7, 2024 × Two months after sprinter Julien Alfred won St Lucia’s maiden gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024, former two-time T20 World Cup winner Darren Sammy coached the Kings franchise to their maiden title. That, however, also ended Preity Zinta’s wait for a cricket trophy. Meanwhile, St Lucia won the toss and elected to bowl first. After getting rid of dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz on a duck, the bowlers three quick wickets in Shai Hope, Moeen Ali and Shimron Hetmyer to dent GAW's run-rate, with Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed picking two. ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya’s swagger grows in Gwalior with ‘no-look shot’ – WATCH The wickets kept tumbling as the inning progressed, putting pressure on the defending champions; however, the two all-rounders Romario Shepherd and Dwaine Pretorius saved the day with late cameos, as Guyana scored 138 for eight in 20 overs. Jones, Chase won it for St Lucia St Lucia lost early wickets inside the Powerplay, including their captain, Faf du Plessis, on run-a-ball 21. With their scorecard reeling at 51 for four at one stage, St Lucia needed a gigantic effort from its batter to win from that position. Come in USA’s Aaron Jones and WI's Roston Chase, and the pair pulled the team out of trouble. Instead of deploying a defensive approach, the two batters began with the onslaught, with Jones taking the lead. An 88-run stand for the fifth wicket saw Jones hitting an unbeaten 48 off 31 balls, including four sixes and two fours, while the experienced Chase played second-fiddle, scoring 39 not out off 22 balls, smashing two sixes and as many fours. St Lucia won the match in the 19th over, with jubilation beginning in the dressing room. All Hail the Kings 👑 Saint Lucia Kings dethrone the defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors to claim their first-ever CPL title! 🏆#CPLonFanCode pic.twitter.com/DpJuwZUJVj — FanCode (@FanCode) October 7, 2024 × Besides, while receiving the CPL 2024 trophy, Faf du Plessis mimicked WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair’s famous walk, which even India captain Rohit Sharma did after winning the T20 World Cup final in the Americas. WATCH VIDEO - A euphoric moment for the Saint Lucia Kings! 🇱🇨 #CPL24 #CPLFinals #SLKvGAW #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/fQZSG3C4WV — CPL T20 (@CPL) October 7, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Wait over for Kings franchise as Preity Zinta-owned St Lucia wins CPL 2024; Aaron Jones stars in final

Newly-appointed Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting revealed what attracted him to accept their offer despite interests from several teams ahead of IPL 2025. Ponting, who previously coached Delhi Capitals for seven seasons, detailed what he told his new team owners and shared his thoughts on retention plans as the mega auction date nears.

Of all the IPL teams since the inaugural edition, Punjab Kings is among the three franchises (DC and RCB) that are yet to put their hands on the trophy. However, Ponting, who expressed keenness in taking over the job, with the willingness and aim to turn the tables around come next season, revealed plenty needs to be done behind the scenes to ensure PBKS takes home the IPL trophy.

In an exclusive interview with ESPNcricinfo, Ponting revealed why he chose this unit when other, perhaps former winners, unnamed yet, approached him for the head coach role.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-ban-1st-test-day-2-india-in-drivers-seat-despite-losing-kohli-in-2nd-innings-lead-by-308-760435">IND v BAN 1st Test Day 2: India in driver’s seat despite losing Kohli in 2nd innings, lead by 308</a>

Putting it under ‘Project Punjab’, Punter, as cricket fans call him, revealed the youngsters and the talent pool in PBKS dressing attracted him and that working with them to come on top looked like a challenge, which he willingly accepted.

“Yes, I was talking to a few teams, but it was 'Project Punjab'&nbsp;which attracted me. It is a team that hasn't had a lot of success over a long period of time, a team that's changed coaches a lot, so I saw it as a challenge.&nbsp;

“The other exciting part is that I saw some really exciting youngsters last year at Kings that hopefully we can attract back to the team for this season and put together a team that is going to be good enough to win the IPL.&nbsp;

“I mean, there's no doubting over the years that the Kings have had good players, have had good teams. They just haven't been able to win it yet. I have a longish-term deal there, and hopefully, during that period of time we can win the IPL,” Ponting said.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Picking a captain is a priority for me’ – Ponting</h2>

Ricky was blunt and honest in his acceptance of informing the owners to interfere less, letting the coaches and the captain take charge of what would happen on the field. Though he openly talked about having accountability and autonomy within the group, Ponting feels picking the right man to lead does half of the job.

When asked about his role in picking a captain at the upcoming mega auction, Ponting said irrespective of whether the player is an Indian or overseas, he needs the right man for the right job.

“With this mega auction coming up, either we have to decide to retain someone in our current group that we think is the best person for the job, or we have to go into the auction looking for the best possible candidate, whether that's an Indian or overseas player.&nbsp;

“And make sure that him and I work together. If the captain and coach are on the same page and work together, that's when the magic happens,” he continued.&nbsp;

<h3>Ponting on IPL retention rules</h3>

The BCCI will formally announce the revised retention rules ahead of the mega auction, and Ponting feels plenty of work needs to be done to have a settled unit at the helm. Although Ponting disagrees with the ‘more retention is better for the team’ policy, he still backs the current lot of players to help PBKS realise its dream of winning the title.

“It is going to depend on the retention numbers. Say, if it's eight players, then all of a sudden that's 80 players [retained, if all ten teams retain that many].&nbsp;

“There's not going to be a lot of quality players left in the auction, so putting together a squad then would be more difficult. The more the numbers come down on retention, the easier it's going be to put a squad of players together.&nbsp;

“In this current Kings group, you think of some of the young Indian players they have: Prabhsimran [Singh], Ashutosh [Sharma], Shashank [Singh], Jitesh [Sharma], Arshdeep [Singh], Harpreet Brar, Harshal [Patel]. Then among the overseas lot, we have [Liam] Livingstone, [Sam] Curran, [Kagiso] Rabada, [Jonny] Bairstow - there's enough quality,” he noted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Newly-appointed Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting revealed what attracted him to accept their offer despite interests from several teams ahead of IPL 2025. Ponting, who previously coached Delhi Capitals for seven seasons, detailed what he told his new team owners and shared his thoughts on retention plans as the mega auction date nears.

Newly-appointed Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting revealed what attracted him to accept their offer despite interests from several teams ahead of IPL 2025. Ponting, who previously coached Delhi Capitals for seven seasons, detailed what he told his new team owners and shared his thoughts on retention plans as the mega auction date nears. Of all the IPL teams since the inaugural edition, Punjab Kings is among the three franchises (DC and RCB) that are yet to put their hands on the trophy. However, Ponting, who expressed keenness in taking over the job, with the willingness and aim to turn the tables around come next season, revealed plenty needs to be done behind the scenes to ensure PBKS takes home the IPL trophy. In an exclusive interview with ESPNcricinfo, Ponting revealed why he chose this unit when other, perhaps former winners, unnamed yet, approached him for the head coach role. ALSO READ: IND v BAN 1st Test Day 2: India in driver’s seat despite losing Kohli in 2nd innings, lead by 308 Putting it under ‘Project Punjab’, Punter, as cricket fans call him, revealed the youngsters and the talent pool in PBKS dressing attracted him and that working with them to come on top looked like a challenge, which he willingly accepted. “Yes, I was talking to a few teams, but it was 'Project Punjab' which attracted me. It is a team that hasn't had a lot of success over a long period of time, a team that's changed coaches a lot, so I saw it as a challenge. “The other exciting part is that I saw some really exciting youngsters last year at Kings that hopefully we can attract back to the team for this season and put together a team that is going to be good enough to win the IPL. “I mean, there's no doubting over the years that the Kings have had good players, have had good teams. They just haven't been able to win it yet. I have a longish-term deal there, and hopefully, during that period of time we can win the IPL,” Ponting said. ‘Picking a captain is a priority for me’ – Ponting Ricky was blunt and honest in his acceptance of informing the owners to interfere less, letting the coaches and the captain take charge of what would happen on the field. Though he openly talked about having accountability and autonomy within the group, Ponting feels picking the right man to lead does half of the job. When asked about his role in picking a captain at the upcoming mega auction, Ponting said irrespective of whether the player is an Indian or overseas, he needs the right man for the right job. “With this mega auction coming up, either we have to decide to retain someone in our current group that we think is the best person for the job, or we have to go into the auction looking for the best possible candidate, whether that's an Indian or overseas player. “And make sure that him and I work together. If the captain and coach are on the same page and work together, that's when the magic happens,” he continued. Ponting on IPL retention rules The BCCI will formally announce the revised retention rules ahead of the mega auction, and Ponting feels plenty of work needs to be done to have a settled unit at the helm. Although Ponting disagrees with the ‘more retention is better for the team’ policy, he still backs the current lot of players to help PBKS realise its dream of winning the title. “It is going to depend on the retention numbers. Say, if it's eight players, then all of a sudden that's 80 players [retained, if all ten teams retain that many]. “There's not going to be a lot of quality players left in the auction, so putting together a squad then would be more difficult. The more the numbers come down on retention, the easier it's going be to put a squad of players together. “In this current Kings group, you think of some of the young Indian players they have: Prabhsimran [Singh], Ashutosh [Sharma], Shashank [Singh], Jitesh [Sharma], Arshdeep [Singh], Harpreet Brar, Harshal [Patel]. Then among the overseas lot, we have [Liam] Livingstone, [Sam] Curran, [Kagiso] Rabada, [Jonny] Bairstow - there's enough quality,” he noted. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting reveals why he chose Punjab Kings over other teams; details on essentials

Former Mumbai Indians captain and star batter Rohit Sharma could play for another franchise if MI decides against retaining him ahead of IPL 2025. With all teams involved eagerly awaiting BCCI’s decision on changes concerning auction rules, including the reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) card and clarity on number of retentions, one specific team – Punjab Kings, has expressed keenness in bagging Rohit’s service, provided they have the balance.

Rohit lost his MI captaincy to Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2024, with the MI management taking this call looking at the future. Though the India ODI and Test captain is yet to break his silence on this, Rohit’s performance and his body language during the last season were enough to reflect how he felt about this transition.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shan-masood-rues-plenty-of-errors-for-pakistans-embarrassing-loss-against-bangladesh-in-rawalpindi-test-753336">Shan Masood rues ‘plenty of errors’ for Pakistan’s embarrassing loss against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi Test</a>

Considering Mumbai Indians retain youngsters and let go of Rohit, the IPL 2025 auction could witness a fierce bidding war for the league veteran. For the experience and accolades he holds, Rohit could end up becoming the most expensive player, going past Mitchell Starc, who went for INR 24.75 crore at the last auction to eventual winners Kolkata Knight Riders.&nbsp;

Ahead of IPL 2024, PBKS owner Preity Zinta dismissed rumours of the franchise Rohit considering the abovementioned situation; however, Sanjay Bangar, PBKS head of cricket development, has hinted that tables could turn if Rohit’s name makes it to the auction list this time.

"It all depends on whether we have the money in our pockets. If Rohit comes in the auction, I certainly believe, he is going to go for a high price," Bangar said in an interaction on the RAO Podcast YouTube channel.

<h2>Rohit – IPL superstar</h2>

Rohit has won the IPL six times (joint-most with Ambati Rayudu), one with Deccan Chargers as a player and five times with Mumbai Indians as a captain.&nbsp;

Since switching camps in 2011, Rohit succeeded Ricky Ponting as MI captain midway into the 2013 edition, winning the league (that year) for the first time.&nbsp;

Rohit has played all 17 seasons, including some greats like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and others, and scored 6,628 runs at an average of 29.72 in 257 matches.&nbsp;

While Rohit scored two centuries, an IPL hat-trick in the 2009 edition puts him in an elite company.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Mumbai Indians captain and star batter Rohit Sharma could play for another franchise if MI decides against retaining him ahead of IPL 2025. With all teams involved eagerly awaiting BCCI’s decision on changes concerning auction rules, including the reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) card and clarity on number of retentions, one specific team – Punjab Kings, has expressed keenness in bagging Rohit’s service, provided they have the balance.

Former Mumbai Indians captain and star batter Rohit Sharma could play for another franchise if MI decides against retaining him ahead of IPL 2025. With all teams involved eagerly awaiting BCCI’s decision on changes concerning auction rules, including the reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) card and clarity on number of retentions, one specific team – Punjab Kings, has expressed keenness in bagging Rohit’s service, provided they have the balance. Rohit lost his MI captaincy to Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2024, with the MI management taking this call looking at the future. Though the India ODI and Test captain is yet to break his silence on this, Rohit’s performance and his body language during the last season were enough to reflect how he felt about this transition. ALSO READ: Shan Masood rues ‘plenty of errors’ for Pakistan’s embarrassing loss against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi Test Considering Mumbai Indians retain youngsters and let go of Rohit, the IPL 2025 auction could witness a fierce bidding war for the league veteran. For the experience and accolades he holds, Rohit could end up becoming the most expensive player, going past Mitchell Starc, who went for INR 24.75 crore at the last auction to eventual winners Kolkata Knight Riders. Ahead of IPL 2024, PBKS owner Preity Zinta dismissed rumours of the franchise Rohit considering the abovementioned situation; however, Sanjay Bangar, PBKS head of cricket development, has hinted that tables could turn if Rohit’s name makes it to the auction list this time. "It all depends on whether we have the money in our pockets. If Rohit comes in the auction, I certainly believe, he is going to go for a high price," Bangar said in an interaction on the RAO Podcast YouTube channel. Rohit – IPL superstar Rohit has won the IPL six times (joint-most with Ambati Rayudu), one with Deccan Chargers as a player and five times with Mumbai Indians as a captain. Since switching camps in 2011, Rohit succeeded Ricky Ponting as MI captain midway into the 2013 edition, winning the league (that year) for the first time. Rohit has played all 17 seasons, including some greats like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and others, and scored 6,628 runs at an average of 29.72 in 257 matches. While Rohit scored two centuries, an IPL hat-trick in the 2009 edition puts him in an elite company. (With inputs from agencies)

IPL: Punjab Kings could chase Rohit Sharma at auction table if MI decides against retaining him, hints Bangar

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