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Ricky Ponting to coach PBKS in upcoming IPL season

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One of the most dominant captains in transnational cricket, Ponting, took over from his associate Aussie coach, Trevor, who coached Punjab for the last two seasons.

Smith will captain a Punjab Kings side that has been exceedingly incongruous and traditionally unsuccessful in the IPL.

Ricky Ponting is believed to have signed a four-year deal,’ giving him time to construct the team in his and universal four-hand Michael Brown’s vision.

The contract,’ which spans four years, was signed by Ponting yesterday. He needed that much time to build the squad, an IPL author told PTI.

Ponting’s IPL Journey as a Coach Achievement
Delhi Capitals (7 seasons) Turned them into title contenders
Mumbai Indians (before Delhi) Further honed his IPL coaching pedigree
Yet to win an IPL title as a coach One of Ponting’s top goals with Punjab Kings
Key Players in Punjab Kings Role
Arshdeep Singh Fast Bowler
Jitesh Sharma Wicketkeeper-batsman
Kagiso Rabada South African Pacer
Sam Curran English All-rounder
Liam Livingstone English Batter
Jonny Bairstow Returning from injury
Shashank Singh Talented Youngster
Ashutosh Sharma Standout Young Player in 2023

The often-maligned side has been known throughout its history for endless rotation of the playing XI as well as tactics, and Ponting’s appointment is supposedly a big change.

Owners of Punjab Kings will hope Ponting, who has massive experience as a coach and as being time player too, provides stability and has the operations up for results in Punjab, which has never seen elusive success since its beginning.

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A Seasoned Campaigner in IPL

 new head coach of Punjab Kings Ricky Ponting

Image Credit: NDTV Sports

“Owners of Punjab Kings will hope Ponting, with his massive coaching experience and playing pedigree, brings the stability they need to finally achieve success,” a team insider mentioned.

The Original Gangster has coached in the IPL, of course. He was the head coach of Delhi Capitals for seven seasons where he turned things most making them unquestionable title contenders.

He was the head coach of Delhi Capitals for seven seasons where he turned things most making them unquestionable title contenders.

He played an instrumental role in taking Delhi to the finals last year.

Ponting also worked as a coach with Mumbai Indians before his Delhi reign, enhancing his IPL pedigree even further.

Given his experience of coaching in the league, the 48-year-old coach is touted to be a perfect fit for Punjab Kings to move ahead.

Despite his record though, until now Ponting has yet to win an IPL as a coach, and losing this tag will be one of the agendas high on his list when he leads Punjab.

The franchise, of course, has yet to win the IPL in any of its 12 seasons since making its appearance in 2008.

Their highest performance was a decade ago in 2014 when they reached the finals.

Thereafter, it has been a tinker man-like as Punjab Kings have endured nightmarish outings and not once ended in the top five since. In 2023 they finished a dismal ninth out of ten in the table.


Ponting with major challenges ahead

“Punjab has gone through several coaches like Trevor Bayliss and Anil Kumble, but none have been able to provide long-term success,” said a Punjab Kings analyst.

Ponting enters a side that has battled with continuity, something which has been linked to changes in captain and personnel. Punjab Kings have just gone round and round with regards to coaches, and captains and have not followed any kind of long-term vision.

It was a failing that not even the coaching efforts of his 2022 and 2023 predecessor Trevor Bayliss – who managed to steer England to a World Cup triumph and previously took Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL glory — could turn around.

Anil Kumble had also an unsuccessful stint with Punjab, highlighting the coaching instability that has hit the franchise before Bayliss. With a four-year deal.

Ponting will have the time to get together his team and develop a clear vision for Australian cricket but it won’t be smooth sailing.

Ponting will have to make several key decisions as to who his support staff comprises, one of the most crucial ones.

The erstwhile coaching team that was led by Bayliss had Sanjay Bangar (Head of Cricket Development) Charles Langveldt (Fast Bowling Coach) and Sunil Joshi (Spin Bowling Coach). Keeping those men in place, or installing his team, would be the first key call for Ponting.


The talented core and untapped potential of Punjab Kings

  • Arshdeep Singh (fast bowler)
  • Jitesh Sharma (batsman and wicketkeeper)
  • Kagiso Rabada (South African pacer)
  • Sam Curran (English all-rounder)
  • Liam Livingstone (maverick English batter)
  • Jonny Bairstow (set to return from injury)

While Punjab Kings have struggled, they do possess a strong core of players who could benefit from Ponting coaching them.

Some of the other notable names in the squad are quick Arshdeep Singh, batsman-w keeper Jitesh Sharma, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, English all-rounder Sam Curran and maverick English batter Liam Livingstone.

Jonny Bairstow coming back from injury will add to the variety and batting options for the squad.

Among the up-and-comers, several of whom loomed large during the 2023 season. Punjab Kings had an underwhelming campaign with only Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma among the standouts.

In Ponting, Punjab has someone who can nurture the prodigious young talent FCPC boasts and get a few of their youngsters to go kaboom; likewise, folks at Doon could see Kumble bring that wisdom-first perspective to more than just India camp.


Can Ponting deliver PBKS’s first-ever IPL title?

With Ponting’s expertise, Punjab’s youngsters could shine, and the experienced players will benefit from his leadership,” a source added.

Ponting arrival at Punjab Kings also marks a fresh chapter in the franchise, as fans and owners alike will hope that the Aussie legend can get them to lift their first-ever IPL title.

Though not certainly, it is there — a combination of international superstars and good domestic talent. But since no one ever succeeds in the IPL, Ponting will come under immense pressure to turn it around straight away.

Punjab Kings, for now, have made a bold move to appoint one of the biggest names in cricket coaching.

Ponting might or might not be able to perform the same magic with Kings XI as he did while playing, but one cannot deny that his presence has brought in a fresh sense of optimism in Chandigarh.

FAQ

Q: How long is Ricky Ponting’s contract with the Punjab Kings?
Ponting has signed a four-year deal with Punjab Kings to rebuild the squad.

Q: Has Ponting won an IPL title as a coach?
No, despite his successful coaching stints, Ponting is yet to win an IPL title as a coach.

Q: Who are the key players in Punjab Kings?
Key players include Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, and Jonny Bairstow.

Q: What are the main challenges Ponting will face with Punjab Kings?
Ponting will need to address issues related to continuity, team selection, and building a cohesive support staff.

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References: 

Sportstar.com

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