Ricky Ponting Appointed Head Coach of Punjab Kings Ahead of IPL 2025

Ricky Ponting has been named the head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) as the team gears up for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This announcement follows Ponting’s departure from the Delhi Capitals, where he concluded a seven-year tenure.

Ponting expressed his enthusiasm about the new role, stating, “I am thankful to the Punjab Kings for this opportunity. My discussions with the owners and management were promising, and I’m thrilled about our shared vision for the team. We aim to give back to our loyal fans with a revitalised Punjab Kings.”

Ponting is set to be the sixth head coach for PBKS in seven seasons. Historically, the franchise has only made the playoffs twice and finished ninth in 2024.

With the IPL mega auction approaching, Ponting’s immediate task will be to decide which players to retain and find a new captain to replace Shikhar Dhawan, who retired from international cricket recently.

The team boasts key players like Harshal Patel, last season’s Purple Cap winner, and emerging talents Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. India’s T20 World Cup hero Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who led in several games last season, are also crucial. The squad also includes overseas stars like Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Johnny Bairstow and Kagiso Rabada.