Ricky Ponting blocked Marcus Stoinis' selection in PBKS vs KKR clash with last-minute ‘horrible news’

Punjab Kings (PBKS) left many amazed with their team selection for the game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This was because Marcus Stoinis didn't feature in the game at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

Coming into the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings made two changes to their XI. Marcus Stoinis, along with Yash Thakur, was dropped as the team included Josh Inglis and Xavier Bartlett into the team. The move to drop Stoinis and retain Glenn Maxwell raised quite a few eyebrows.

Punjab Kings' Ricky Ponting head coach was seen having an intense chat with Marcus Stoinis

This was because Glenn Maxwell has been having a torrid time in the IPL since the last season. The all-rounder has amassed just 93 runs in the 14 innings. The batter has an average of just 6.64 to go with 5 ducks. While on the other hand, Marcus Stoinis played a magical hand in the last game.

Ahead of the start of the match, Punjab Kings' Ricky Ponting, head coach, was seen having an intense chat with Marcus Stoinis. The all-rounder was seen all gloved up and practicing his batting. After the conversation, the Australian star looked disappointed as he made his way back to the dugout.

But I'm a little bit shocked because the runs aren't coming from Maxwell - Simon Doull on Marcus Stoinis getting dropped

With Stoinis getting dropped from the Punjab Kings XI, it left experts bemused. Speaking to Cricbuzz, former KKR team director Joy Bhattacharjya, said that they replaced the wrong guy. He said: "They got the wrong guy."

Simon Doull, who was part of the same panel, was shocked by Stoinis getting dropped and Glenn Maxwell being there. Talking about the same, he added:

"Is he injured? Did Shreyas Iyer say anything about Stoinus being injured? If he is not injured, that's astounding. What did he get at the back end in the last game, Stoinis? He smashed some 30, did he at the back end? That too of very few balls,"

"Unless they're thinking, I mean, how many lefties are in that Kolkata lineup with? Maxwell may play a role with De Kock, Narine there, Venkatesh Iyer in the middle order, and Rinku at 6 or 7. So maybe they think Maxwell has to play a bit of a role. Maybe that's the reason. But I'm a little bit shocked because the runs aren't coming from Maxwell,"

They must have deliberated a great deal about the team - Pommie Mbangwa on Marcus Stoinis

Former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa, who was in the commentary box said:

"They must have deliberated a great deal about the team. This looks like the decision was taken right here on the ground. Stoinis has his gloves and bat there. He is just getting the bad news there. Horrible news. It's tough to drop anyone.”

Also Read: 'Stay humble and don't get overhyped': Shreyas Iyer's strict message to PBKS after thrilling win vs KKR