Punjab Kings (PBKS) have started their IPL 2025 campaign with a bang, and their latest victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was nothing short of spectacular. With an aggressive batting display and tight bowling, PBKS cruised to a comfortable win, and head coach Ricky Ponting had plenty to say about the team's performance. The Aussie legend, known for his sharp cricketing mind, heaped praise on his skipper Shreyas Iyer, likening him to a "Rolls-Royce in third gear"—smooth, controlled, and yet dominant.
A Skipper in Supreme Touch
Shreyas Iyer has been in sublime form this season. After his unbeaten 97 against Gujarat Titans in the opening match, he followed it up with another masterclass—a steady and composed 52 not out against LSG. The Punjab Kings comfortably chased down the 172-run target in just 16.2 overs, losing only two wickets along the way. Ponting’s comparison of Iyer to a Rolls-Royce made perfect sense; he didn’t even have to shift into top gear to steer the team home. He just controlled the innings with remarkable ease.
Ponting, speaking to the team post-match, made sure his players remained focused. “Let’s not take anything for granted. We are only scratching the surface, and it’s a long tournament ahead. We need to keep our attitudes spot on, work as a family, and get better every single day.” The experienced coach knows that consistency is the key to success in a marathon event like the IPL.
Blistering Batting Starts & Fireworks
While Iyer anchored the chase, PBKS’ victory was set up by an explosive knock from opener Prabhsimran Singh. The young batter tore into the LSG bowling attack, smashing a scintillating 69 off just 34 balls. His fearless stroke play ensured Punjab got off to a flyer, putting the opposition bowlers under pressure right from the outset.
Nehal Wadhera, another rising talent, also grabbed his opportunity with both hands. The left-hander played a crucial role towards the end, scoring an unbeaten 43 off 25 balls, ensuring that the run chase was finished in style. Ponting had high praise for the youngster, stating, “We talk about players making an impact. You get an opportunity in a T20 game, and it’s all about making your presence felt. Nehal did exactly that.”
Tactical Bowling Excellence
PBKS’ bowlers also played a significant role in securing this win. Bowling first, the Punjab attack was disciplined and relentless. Arshdeep Singh set the tone with a brilliant first over, conceding just three runs, while Lockie Ferguson followed up with another tight over, going for only four.
This early stranglehold meant LSG couldn’t get the explosive start they were looking for. After six overs, they were struggling at 3 for 35, with four of those overs costing just 13 runs in total. Glenn Maxwell and Marco Jansen tightened the screws further, with Jansen picking up the prized wicket of David Miller, ensuring that LSG never really got the momentum they wanted.
Ponting acknowledged how crucial this controlled bowling effort was, saying, “The whole bowling group was outstanding. The discipline shown in the powerplay put us in the driver’s seat. If you can restrict a team to a below-par start, you’re always going to be in the game.”
Lockie’s Debut & The Impact Sub Strategy
The match also marked a significant moment for Lockie Ferguson, who was making his PBKS debut. The New Zealand pacer bowled with pace and precision, immediately making an impact. Ponting was particularly pleased with how seamlessly Ferguson fit into the side.
The coach also shared an interesting behind-the-scenes story about Nehal Wadhera. “Nehal only packed one shirt in his bag because he didn’t think he’d be playing! But in a T20 game, anything can happen. When I saw that LSG had brought in a left-arm off-spinner as their impact sub, I tapped Nehal on the shoulder and told him—‘Mate, you’re going in!’ And look at how he responded!”
Winning Mentality & The Road Ahead
With back-to-back wins, PBKS has started IPL 2025 on a strong note. However, Ponting knows that there’s no room for complacency. He stressed the importance of maintaining the hunger to win. “It’s easy to get carried away after a couple of good games, but we need to stay grounded. The real challenge is to keep improving every day.”
This PBKS squad, under Iyer’s calm leadership and Ponting’s sharp tactical nous, looks like a team to watch out for. With the perfect blend of experienced internationals and young Indian talent, they seem to have all bases covered. If they continue playing with this intensity and focus, a deep run in IPL 2025 is certainly on the cards.
For Punjab Kings fans, this start is nothing short of a dream. With an in-form captain, destructive top order, and a well-balanced bowling unit, the team seems to be ticking all the right boxes. As the tournament progresses, it will be exciting to see how they build on this early momentum. One thing is certain—under Ricky Ponting’s guidance, PBKS is not just here to participate; they are here to dominate!
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