Ricky Ponting Aims to Build Greatest-Ever Punjab Kings Team Ahead of IPL 2025

Ricky Ponting Eyes IPL Glory: "We Are Building the Greatest Punjab Kings Team Ever"

Ponting shares bold vision, praises youngsters, and highlights team culture at Meta Creators’ Day event in New Chandigarh

New Chandigarh, March 22, 2025 – As the countdown to the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League begins, Punjab Kings’ newly appointed head coach Ricky Ponting has set the tone for a high-energy, no-compromise season. Speaking at the Meta Creators’ Day hosted at the newly built PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, the former Australian skipper declared his ambitions loud and clear to build the greatest Punjab Kings team ever seen in IPL history.

In a candid and spirited conversation with top digital creators from across the country, Ponting expressed his excitement about taking charge of a squad that, according to him, has the perfect blend of youth and experience to make a serious push for the title in IPL 2025.

The Vision: Building a Title-Winning Side

Known for his sharp cricketing mind and aggressive leadership style, Ponting wasted no time in outlining the roadmap he’s building for Punjab Kings. His message to players from day one has been unambiguous this is a title-winning project.

“The overall vision for this team is to win the IPL,” Ponting said. “I told the guys on the very first day when I joined the camp in Dharamshala that we were going to create and become the greatest Punjab Kings team that's played. That's the journey that we're on and that doesn't happen overnight. You've got to create that.”

With Punjab Kings yet to lift the IPL trophy in their 17-year history, Ponting’s appointment signals a fresh beginning for the franchise, which is eager to rewrite its legacy with a new generation of players and leadership.

Winning Is an Attitude

Ponting also shared insights into the winning mentality he’s trying to instill across the squad an approach that defined his era as Australia’s captain.

“Winning is really an attitude thing. If we turn up to play, the opposition turns up to play, and if they want to beat us, it should feel like they’re taking something away from us. I don’t want to let anyone take anything away from me or my team,” he said.

His words echo a fierce competitive edge and determination to cultivate an uncompromising mindset within the team a culture based not only on performance but also on pride and purpose.

Young Blood Catching the Eye

Ponting was particularly upbeat about the exciting domestic talent that has emerged during training sessions. Several uncapped players have already impressed the coach with their energy and approach.

“Priyansh Arya is a very special potential opening batsman for us. Depending on which way we go with our overseas make-up, he’s very exciting,” Ponting revealed. He also highlighted Suryansh Shedge as another young player showing great promise in practice.

The coach’s admiration didn’t stop there. He spoke glowingly about Musheer Khan, calling him a vibrant presence in the squad:
“When I talk about energy and fun, Musheer Khan stands out. He’s brought a lot to the group already with his infectious attitude around the training ground. I’ve really enjoyed working with him so far.”

Overseas Stars to Set the Tone

As part of his leadership philosophy, Ponting stressed the importance of experienced overseas players setting the benchmark for professionalism and discipline. He believes their role goes beyond performance they’re role models.

“I put a lot of the bait on the overseas players to ensure they’re setting the right example. A lot of the young domestic players look up to them. If the overseas players aren’t doing the right thing, then it’s easy for the youngsters to follow that path too. I empower the overseas guys to lead the way,” he explained.

Such clarity in roles and expectations is part of Ponting’s larger strategy to shape a high-performance culture where every player, senior or junior, contributes to the bigger goal.

Creators, Cricket, and Culture

The Meta Creators’ Day event offered a unique opportunity for influencers, fans, and the Punjab Kings management to interact at the state-of-the-art New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur. Popular creators like Jhumroo (Arun Singh), Keshav Ashish, Aditya Shukla, and Sukriti joined the event to get a closer look at the team’s environment and ethos.

Saurabh Arora, Chief Commercial Officer of Punjab Kings, called it a “celebration of culture and community” and said:
“Bringing together creators under one roof to discuss Punjab Kings, cricket, and culture, while showcasing the New PCA Stadium, reflects our commitment to building a strong fan base and community both on and off the field.”

He also highlighted that the stadium tour gave creators firsthand access to the facilities the players will enjoy throughout the season, underlining the franchise’s professional and fan-centric approach.

Road to IPL 2025 Begins

Punjab Kings will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign on March 25 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. They will then face Lucknow Super Giants away, before returning to their newly inaugurated home ground for back-to-back clashes against Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.

With a renewed sense of purpose, a dynamic coach at the helm, and a roster filled with ambition, Punjab Kings are eyeing IPL 2025 as a historic turning point. For Ponting and his men, the goal is crystal clear nothing short of the title.