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Ex-PBKS Batter Blasts Ponting's Lack Of Trust In Indian Talent With Fiery Claim

Soumyajit Dutta

Manoj Tiwary and Ricky Ponting [Source: @Gill_Iss/X]Manoj Tiwary and Ricky Ponting [Source: @Gill_Iss/X]

Punjab Kings’ explosive start to IPL 2025, led by skipper Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, has been tempered by scepticism over their title credentials. 

Despite uncapped openers Prabhsimran Singh (50) and Priyansh Arya (65) powering a 120-run stand in 11.5 overs against Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab’s middle-order collapse from 160/1 to 201/4 raised questions. 

Tiwary Slams Ponting’s “Lack of Trust” in Local Talent

Former India batter and ex-Punjab Kings player Manoj Tiwary lambasted Punjab’s reliance on overseas players, suggesting it could cost them the title. 

“My gut feeling says that Punjab team will not be able to win the #IPL trophy this season because… the coach didn’t send Indian in-form batters Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh, instead he trusted his foreign players to deliver, but they couldn’t… If he persists in this way, then the title is far from them irrespective of their qualification in the top two.”

While Punjab’s batting firepower has shone early, their middle-order missteps and Ponting’s tactics loom as hurdles in their quest for a maiden IPL crown.

What Wrong Did Ponting Do?

Ricky Ponting’s decision to promote overseas strugglers Marco Jansen (3 off 7) and Glenn Maxwell (7) over domestic finishers Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera backfired, leaving critics unconvinced about their playoff resolve.

Persistent rain in Kolkata forced the match’s abandonment, handing Punjab a crucial point to stay fourth with 11 points. However, their position remains precarious with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants poised to challenge in an upcoming double-header.