For Punjab Kings (PBKS), this IPL season has been nothing short of a dream unfolding in real time. After years of struggling and falling short, this time around, the Kings are finally knocking at the door of IPL glory. On Monday, the storybook continued as Shreyas Iyer’s team defeated the mighty Mumbai Indians in Jaipur, securing their place in Qualifier 1 and edging closer to a coveted IPL trophy that has eluded them for over a decade.
The Mindset Shift — A New Era for PBKS
One of the most striking changes in Punjab Kings this season isn’t just the stats or wins, but the mindset. Before the match against Mumbai Indians, captain Shreyas Iyer sent a powerful message to his team. “Qualification is just half the job done; finishing in the top two is what really matters,” he said, emphasizing how the team’s goals have evolved.
Shashank Singh, a key finisher for PBKS, shared these insights during the post-match press conference. He echoed the sentiments of their head coach Ricky Ponting, who has been instrumental in steering the team towards this newfound belief.
Ponting, a former Australian captain and one of the IPL’s most respected coaches, was quick to remind everyone that while reaching the top two is a major milestone, the journey is far from over. “We haven’t achieved anything yet. This group has worked hard and enjoyed each other’s company for the last ten weeks, but we have another week to go,” he said, highlighting the team’s hunger and focus.
Why This Season Is Special for Punjab Kings
What makes this season so special? For starters, it’s the team’s collective belief. Shashank Singh, who has been pivotal in closing out matches, spoke about how this isn’t just an individual effort but a manifestation of collective goals and hard work.
Shashank’s Journey and Vision:
The team had a WhatsApp group formed right after the auctions where they declared this their year.
The first major goal was clear: finish in the top two.
The belief turned into hard work, which turned into results.
“I feel surreal. It’s satisfying not just for me, but for the entire team,” Shashank confessed, describing how the support system — from players to management and even the media team — has played a crucial role in this turnaround.
This unity and culture of care stand out starkly from Punjab Kings’ past years of inconsistent performances.
Culture, Respect, and Leadership — The Ponting-Iyer Effect
One cannot talk about PBKS’s resurgence without highlighting the incredible impact of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting. The duo’s reunion, after previously working together at Delhi Capitals, has sparked a cultural transformation within the franchise.
Shashank Singh, who has known Shreyas for over a decade, praised his captain’s leadership style. What makes Iyer special, he said, is how he treats everyone — from players to the entire support staff — with respect and gives them freedom to perform.
Key points about Iyer’s leadership:
Freedom for all 25 players to express themselves on the field.
Respect for every member of the franchise, including logistics and media teams.
Building a family-like atmosphere where love and care drive performance.
Ricky Ponting, for his part, has instilled these values firmly. Shashank recalled how Ponting and Iyer promised on day one that everyone, whether a star player like Yuzvendra Chahal or the bus driver, would be treated equally. “They have actually done it,” said Shashank, pointing to the deep cultural change inside the team.
Ponting himself spoke about his eagerness to bring Shreyas into the PBKS fold. “I was willing to go far at the auction because I knew what he brings to the table — not just talent but leadership and character,” he said.
Ponting on leadership and culture:
High-quality people like Shreyas are essential to changing a team’s culture.
Shreyas lifts the team in tough moments and is firm when needed.
Such leadership is crucial for any team aiming for the top.
The IPL Race: What Lies Ahead?
With Punjab Kings now in Qualifier 1, the pressure and excitement are both at an all-time high. For the fans, the team’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride — full of close finishes, exciting moments, and some brilliant performances. For the players and staff, it’s a moment to savor but also to stay grounded.
Shashank Singh summed it up beautifully when he said, “The full job will be done on June 3rd — that’s when I’ll say yes, we are on top of the world.”
Here are some key reasons why Punjab Kings’ current campaign feels different from previous IPL seasons:
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Strategic Preparations: The team held 4-5 preparatory camps before the IPL season began, ensuring everyone was on the same page.
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Collective Effort: Success is shared by players, coaches, management, and support staff alike.
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Strong Leadership: The captain-coach duo’s chemistry and mutual respect have uplifted the entire team.
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Positive Team Culture: Focus on care, respect, and equality has made the environment more conducive to performance.
Why This Is a Big Deal for Punjab Kings
Historically, PBKS has been one of the IPL teams struggling to find consistent success. For years, they have bounced around the middle of the table, often showing flashes of brilliance but lacking the finishing touch. This season, however, feels like a fresh chapter — one where ambition meets execution.
Shashank’s honest reflections capture this beautifully. He says this team isn’t just playing to compete; they are playing to win — to make history for Punjab Kings. And the credit goes beyond just the players:
“It’s a team effort, from the auctions where we set our goals, to the preparation camps, to every single person who’s been part of this journey. We believed, manifested, and worked hard together.”
This kind of unity and focus is rare in the IPL, which makes PBKS’s run even more exciting for cricket fans across India.
Shreyas Iyer — The Captain with a Vision
Shreyas’s leadership style has been a revelation for PBKS. Known for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen, he has brought stability and positivity to a team that needed both.
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He treats everyone like family, building trust across all departments.
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His on-field decisions reflect maturity, backed by the support of Ricky Ponting.
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He keeps the team motivated and focused, even under pressure.
As a result, Punjab Kings look like a well-oiled machine this IPL — hungry, confident, and ready to seize the moment.
Ricky Ponting — The Mastermind Behind the Scenes
No talk of PBKS’s resurgence can ignore Ricky Ponting’s role. The former Australian captain brought with him not just tactical brilliance but a new culture that emphasizes respect and care.
Ponting’s coaching philosophy is simple but profound: treat everyone equally, build trust, and focus on collective growth. His work with Shreyas Iyer at Delhi Capitals laid the foundation for this success at Punjab Kings.
“He’s by far the best coach I’ve ever played under,” said Shashank Singh, highlighting Ponting’s impact on the team’s mindset and performance.
Final Thoughts: The Road to Glory
As Punjab Kings gear up for the upcoming qualifier, the excitement and hope in the camp are palpable. This is not just another IPL season for them; it’s a chance to rewrite history.
With strong leadership, a supportive culture, and a team playing with purpose and belief, PBKS could well be the surprise package this year — the team that finally lifts the IPL trophy after years of near misses.
The countdown to June 3rd begins, and when that day arrives, Punjab Kings hope to celebrate not just a win, but the realization of a dream years in the making.
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