IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting promises a new era for Punjab Kings after becoming head coach

Former Australian National Cricket Team skipper Ricky Ponting has been appointed as the head coach of the Punjab Kings. The franchise on Wednesday (18th September) confirmed the development through the social media post.

The move to appoint Ricky Ponting as their head coach comes ahead of the mega auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This, no doubt, will be a massive boost for the franchise as the former Australian National Cricket Team skipper is one of the sharpest cricketing brains around.

The post of the head coach of the Punjab Kings was vacant after the franchise parted ways with Trevor Bayliss. Franchise got in talks with Ponting after he was sacked as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals after the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been with the Delhi-based franchise since 2018.

Under Ponting, Delhi Capitals reached their first-ever final in 2020 before losing to Mumbai Indians. The former Australian National Cricket Team skipper is one of the best coaches going around and also recently won the title at the Major League Cricket (MLC) with Washington Freedom.

Ponting, who is known for his disciplined coaching and mentorship, has signed a deal of four years with Punjab Kings. He will be staying with the franchise until 2028 and has been given the full authority over assembling the coaching staff.

Ricky Ponting will be the 6th sixth head coach of Punjab Kings in the last seven seasons. The franchise has struggled to find consistency in the league and is one among the three teams who haven't won a title in the league. In the last season, they finished ninth and haven't reached the IPL playoffs since their runners-up finish in 2014.

I am grateful to Punjab Kings for presenting me with the opportunity to be the new Head Coach - Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting, while talking about his appointment as the head coach of Punjab Kings, said that he is grateful for getting the opportunity. He revealed that he discussed the road map with owners and management and promised that fans would see a completely different team going ahead. Speaking about the same, he said:

"I am grateful to Punjab Kings for presenting me with the opportunity to be the new Head Coach. I am excited to take up the new challenge.

He further said, "I had great conversations with the owners and the management about the way forward and was truly elated to see the alignment of our visions for the team.

"We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward."

Ahead of the IPL 2024, Punjab Kings will have to start from the ground zero. They don't have a captain as well as Shikhar Dhawan called time on his career. Ricky Ponting's first challenge would be to bring the set of players who could help the team win.