The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are heading into IPL 2025 with renewed hopes, a fresh squad, and a determined mindset to turn their fortunes around. After a disappointing campaign last season, where they finished ninth with just five wins in 14 games, PBKS has made significant changes. Head coach Ricky Ponting recently opened up about what went wrong last year and how the team plans to bounce back stronger.
One of PBKS’s major concerns has been their poor home record, which Ponting identified as a key reason for their struggles. To address this, the team has planned extensive training camps and practice matches at their home venue, aiming to help players familiarize themselves with the conditions. This, Ponting believes, will not only improve their performance at home but also assist in finalizing the best playing XI.
“We lost crucial matches at home last season, and we’re working to change that. Training camps and practice games will help us understand the conditions better, create new memories, and ensure we start winning at home,” Ricky Ponting explained in a press conference.
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Selecting the ideal playing XI, however, won’t be an easy task, given the depth in their squad. Ponting emphasized the importance of healthy competition within the team. “With such a talented squad, picking the best eleven will be challenging. We have two practice games to evaluate our options, and I want every player to push hard for their spot,” he added.
PBKS made headlines at the auction by securing top players, including Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, pacer Arshdeep Singh, and their new skipper, Shreyas Iyer, who was acquired for a whopping ₹26.75 crore. Ponting shed light on the reasoning behind these high-profile signings.
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“When I took over as head coach, I wanted to bring significant changes. Our auction strategy was clear—build a strong core by signing players like Iyer, Arshdeep, and Chahal. We’re rebuilding from the ground up, and these players are key to our vision,” Ricky Ponting concluded.
