Punjab Kings on a Roll But Coach Ricky Ponting Says: “Job Half Done”
Punjab Kings have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this IPL season. Their recent thrashing of Mumbai Indians by seven wickets not only secured a spot in the playoffs but also guaranteed a top-two finish, which means they have two shots at reaching the IPL final. Sounds fantastic, right? Well, their head coach Ricky Ponting, the former Australian legend, is keeping everyone grounded. According to him, the team hasn’t really achieved anything yet — this is just half the journey done.
The Top-Two Finish: A Milestone or Just a Step?
If you see the way Punjab Kings have been playing, it’s obvious they have a really talented squad. But Ponting says that despite their fantastic run, the real goal lies ahead. In his interview with JioHotstar, he said, “It’s a great achievement so far, but honestly, if you look back at what matters, we haven’t actually achieved anything yet.”
For the team, qualifying for the playoffs after more than a decade is a huge deal, but Ponting isn’t ready to celebrate fully. The vision was always clear for him: finish in the top two of the league stage and get that precious advantage in the playoffs. And now, they’ve done just that.
Why the Punjab Kings’ Playoff Qualification Is Special
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First time in over ten years, Punjab Kings have made it to the playoffs.
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They have secured a spot in the top two, which means they get two chances to reach the final.
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The team has shown consistent performance across 10 weeks of IPL, which is no small feat.
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They have built a positive and strong team culture under Ponting’s guidance.
Ponting emphasized how happy and united the group is, highlighting that the camaraderie among the players has been a key factor. “We’ve really enjoyed our time together these past 10 weeks,” he said. But he also warned, “We still have another week left. The real test begins now.”
The Magic of Leadership: Shreyas Iyer’s Impact
One of the biggest reasons behind Punjab Kings’ turnaround this season has been the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Ponting didn’t hesitate to heap praise on the skipper, recalling how the two have shared a great working relationship before. They had teamed up at Delhi Capitals, leading the franchise to their maiden IPL final during the challenging UAE leg in the COVID era.
Ponting even joked about how much he was ready to spend on Iyer at the auction, showing just how much faith he had in the captain. “I was pretty keen to work with him again,” said Ponting, “We had a great run in Delhi, and we made the final under his captaincy.”
What Makes Shreyas Iyer Such a Good Leader?
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Relatable and Approachable: Iyer is known for spending quality time with his teammates, understanding their strengths and weaknesses.
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Motivator: He pumps up the squad when confidence dips and praises them when they deliver.
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Strict When Needed: He isn’t afraid to give a “kick in the pants” when players need a wake-up call.
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A Quality Person: Ponting highlighted Iyer’s character and said that having quality people like him is essential for building a strong team culture.
“If you ask the players individually, each one will tell you how much respect they have for Shreyas,” Ponting added. This leadership is exactly what the team needs as they gear up for the high-pressure playoff matches.
The Punjab Kings Journey: From Underdogs to Top Contenders
If you remember the early years of Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), the team struggled to find consistency. They made headlines here and there but never really got close to winning the title. Over the years, they had ups and downs, with many changes in squad and leadership. However, this season, under Ponting and Iyer’s combined leadership, the team seems more settled and focused than ever.
The players are on the same page, and that unity is showing on the field. Whether it’s the batting lineup firing collectively or the bowlers hitting their spots, Punjab Kings look like a well-oiled machine.
Key Players Who Have Stepped Up This Season
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Shreyas Iyer (Captain): The calm, composed leader who anchors the innings and boosts team morale.
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KL Rahul: Former captain and one of the top batsmen in the squad who provides solid starts.
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Bowlers: The new-ball bowlers and spinners have collectively improved, often breaking partnerships early.
What Next for Punjab Kings?
With playoffs around the corner, the real pressure begins. Punjab Kings now have two chances to reach the IPL final, but that also means the expectations are sky-high. Ponting’s emphasis on not resting on laurels is a message to the team and fans alike.
“Enjoy the moment, yes, but remember we haven’t won anything yet. The goal remains the same — lift the IPL trophy for the first time,” he stressed.
What Fans Can Expect
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A Punjab Kings side that won’t back down easily.
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Tactically sharp decisions by the management.
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An emotionally charged team eager to make history.
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High-intensity cricket with players giving their 100%.
Ponting’s Bigger Vision for Punjab Kings
Ricky Ponting is known for his winning mindset and ability to build teams that deliver under pressure. For Punjab Kings, he’s aiming at not just short-term success but creating a culture that breeds champions consistently.
He believes that with the right attitude, strong leadership, and continuous improvement, Punjab Kings can be a team that doesn’t just qualify for playoffs once in a decade but competes for the title year after year.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
Punjab Kings have already made fans proud by finishing in the top two after such a long gap. But if you listen closely to their coach, the message is clear — the journey is far from over. This is a team ready to fight till the last ball to get to the IPL final and then, hopefully, bring home the trophy.
And with a leader like Shreyas Iyer at the helm and Ricky Ponting’s expert coaching, the Punjab Kings fans have plenty to cheer for in the upcoming matches.
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