Ricky Ponting aims to build greatest Punjab Kings team ever
What's the story
Ricky Ponting, the newly appointed head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has set an ambitious goal for his tenure.
He wants to build the greatest PBKS team in IPL history.
Despite their past struggles, including a near-miss at the 2014 final and a decade-long absence from playoffs, Ponting's vision is clear: "The overall vision for this team is to win the IPL."
Strategy
Ponting's transformative approach to PBKS
Since taking over as head coach, Ponting has spearheaded a massive overhaul in the team.
The IPL 2025 auction witnessed PBKS snapping up big names like Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Arshdeep Singh. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis also returned to the squad.
This strategic overhaul is part of Ponting's plan to build a winning culture within the team.
Speaking to meta creators, Ponting said: "We were going to create and become the greatest Punjab Kings team that's played."
Winning attitude
Ponting emphasizes the importance of a winning mentality
Ponting is of the opinion that success depends on attitude.
"Winning is really an attitude thing," asserted the Aussie legend.
He added, "If we turn up to play, the opposition turns up to play... then it feels like they're taking something away and I don't want to let anyone take anything away from me or take anything away from my team."
This attitude is key to his PBKS vision.
Player development
Ponting identifies potential stars for IPL 2025
Ponting has also singled out three players who have impressed him a lot in training: Priyansh Arya, Suryansh Shedge, and Musheer Khan.
He called Arya "a very special potential opening batsman for us going forward in the tournament," while Shedge has been "very impressive in our training."
Khan was lauded by Ponting for his infectious attitude and energy, which he brings to the group.
Season opener
PBKS's journey toward greatness begins on March 25
Ponting's ultimate goal for PBKS is to build a legacy that future teams will look to replicate.
He said, "That's the journey that we're on and that doesn't happen overnight. You've got to create that."
The team's season opener against Gujarat Titans on March 25 will be the first step toward this ambitious journey to greatness in IPL history.