IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting names three non-negotiable picks for PBKS
What's the story
Newly appointed head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS), Ricky Ponting, named three players he wanted to bring in for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.
Speaking on The Howie Games podcast, he named the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh as top three candidates, terming them as non-negotable picks.
By getting these Indian players, Ponting feels this was a perfect move.
Here are further details.
Player selection
Ponting's strategic picks for PBKS
"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," he said.
Information
'These three were non-negotiables'
"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," Ponting added.
Strategy revealed
Ponting's vision for a revamped PBKS
Ponting, a two-time World Cup-winning captain from Australia, has laid down his vision for PBKS.
He said the team's presentation, training methods, gameplay, and leadership will all change drastically.
"Everything is going to be different from the previous years," he asserted.
"It's going to be really different this year with the way that we are perceived, the way we present ourselves, the way that we train, the way that we play. Everything" said Ponting.
Fan base
Ponting's popularity and experiences in India
Ponting also spoke about his popularity among Indian fans. He shared his experiences of being recognized on flights or at hotels, saying it's part of an Australian cricketer's life when visiting India.
"You appreciate it more when you understand how much it means to them. I think doing commentary gigs in India has allowed a lot of that," he said.
Ponting believes his commentary stints in India have contributed to this widespread recognition and admiration.
Auction
Shreyas, Arshdeep and Chahal fetched mega bids
The team retained just two uncapped Indian players and headed into the mega auction with a budget of ₹110.50 crore.
Their strategic signings included three of the five most expensive players in this year's auction, including Shreyas (₹26.75 crore).
The franchise also used its Right To Match (RTM) card to re-sign left-arm Indian pacer Arshdeep (₹18 crore).
They also got the services of Chahal (₹18 crore).
Squad
A look at PBKS' squad for the IPL
PBKS squad: Shashank Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Pannu, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis, Suryansh Shedge, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Aaron Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Priyansh Arya, Praveen Dubey, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Kuldeep Sen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal.