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"Shreyas Has Given Them A Kick In Pants" Ponting Credits Iyer For PBKS' IPL Success

Aakash Saini

Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer [Source: @TheAllr0under/x]Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer [Source: @TheAllr0under/x]

Punjab Kings blanked Mumbai Indians by seven wickets and with nine balls to spare in match number 69 of the IPL 2025 season. The outcome helped the Shreyas Iyer-led group to secure a top two finish for themselves ahead of the playoffs.

After the match, Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting heaped a significant praise on captain Iyer, and also recalled their previous working relationship with the Delhi Capitals franchise.

Ponting says he was keen to work with Shreyas again

Speaking with the host broadcaster after Punjab Kings’ comprehensive win in Jaipur, head coach Ricky Ponting revealed that he was keen to work with Shreyas Iyer after their Delhi Capitals stint again, which is why he convinced the franchise to shell out the big bucks for the cricketer at the IPL 2025 mega auction last year. He said:

“I was pretty keen to work with him, Iyer, again. It was pretty obvious that how much money I was willing to spend on him at the auction. We had a great working relationship in Delhi, we made a final in Delhi under his captaincy. I've known him as a person and as a player for a long time. He's a quality person, and when you've got quality people around your team when you're trying to make a difference, and you're trying to change culture, that's what you need.”

Ricky Ponting further praised the leadership qualities of Shreyas Iyer, stating that the Indian batter encourages his teammates when needed, and also gives them a “kick in the pants” when it is required. He added:

“If you spoke to the players individually, I think every single one of them would give Shreyas a great rap because he has spent a lot of time with them. He's pumped them up, he's given them a pat on the back when they needed it, and he's given them a kick in the pants when they've needed it as well, which is a sign of a really good and strong leader.”

Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings is currently placed at the top of the IPL 2025 points table with nine wins, four defeats and a no-result from 14 matches.

They will now face either RCB or Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier. The match will be played on Thursday, May 29 in Mullanpur.