Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, has been appointed by Punjab Kings (PBKS) as their head coach ahead of the IPL 2025 season. Ponting is set to replace Trevor Bayliss as PBKS head coach.
Ponting, who had been the Delhi Capitals' head coach for seven years after joining the organization in 2018, parted ways with the team earlier this year following a couple of years of disappointing performances.
In July of this year, the Delhi Capitals confirmed Ponting's departure. The 49-year-old has been the franchise's head coach since the 2018 season, and he led the team to reach the final in 2020. However, in the previous three seasons, the Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing fifth, ninth, and sixth, respectively.
Earlier reports had stated that the Punjab Kings were looking for a new coach ahead of the IPL 2025 season, with the franchise unlikely to renew Trevor Bayliss' contract following his two-year term.
Ponting will also call on the support staff. In addition to Bayliss, PBKS' support team last year comprised Sanjay Bangar (head of cricket development), Charl Langeveldt (fast-bowling coach), and Sunil Joshi (spin-bowling coach).
"????????????TER is ????????????JAB! Official Statement, Ricky Ponting joins Punjab Kings as the new Head Coach!" PBKS posted on social media.
Meanwhile, Ponting's first issue would be to identify players who could be kept for the following season while the franchises wait for the IPL to finalize the retention guidelines.
There are several players Punjab Kings would like to retain. Pacers Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh should be on top of the list, along with batters like Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. Jitesh Sharma has been good with the wicketkeeping gloves.
Coming to the overseas choices, PBKS will look forward to retaining England's trio of Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Johnny Bairstow, and South Africa quick Kagiso Rabada.
Not only this, Punjab Kings will also be on the lookout for a new captain as Shikhar Dhawan recently announced his retirement from international and Indian domestic cricket, including IPL.
