How Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting’s leadership powered Punjab Kings to IPL 2025 playoffs after 11 Years? Let’s deep dive into this reunion.
For years, Punjab Kings (PBKS) were viewed as one of the most unpredictable and underachieving franchises in the IPL. Despite boasting promising squads, the team often lacked cohesion, direction, and a leadership structure that could bring sustained success.
However, IPL 2025 marked a turning point in the franchise’s history. With Shreyas Iyer at the helm and Ricky Ponting as head coach, Punjab not only made it to the playoffs for the first time in 11 years but also secured a top-two finish—firmly establishing themselves as serious title contenders.
The Iyer-Ponting Effect: Leadership Rooted in Culture and Trust
The seeds of this transformation were sown long before the tournament began. The Iyer-Ponting partnership wasn’t new. Back in 2020, they had taken Delhi Capitals (DC) to their first-ever IPL final. Their mutual respect and understanding were evident, and when Punjab hired Ponting as head coach, he was determined to bring Iyer into the mix again.
“I was pretty keen to work with him again,” Ponting admitted. “It was pretty obvious from how much money I was willing to spend on him at the auction. We had a great working relationship in Delhi. He’s a quality person, and when you’ve got quality people around your team—when you’re trying to make a difference and change culture—that’s what you need.”
What stood out this season wasn’t just the team’s performances but the culture Iyer and Ponting built from day one. During the very first team meeting, the duo made a simple but powerful statement: they would treat Yuzvendra Chahal, the team’s most experienced player and the bus driver with equal respect. That gesture wasn’t just symbolic; it laid the foundation for a team environment where everyone felt valued.
“Shreyas and Ricky made it clear on day one that they would treat Yuzi Chahal and our bus driver the same way,” said Shashank Singh, one of Punjab’s breakout stars this season. “And they’ve maintained that. It says a lot about the team.”
The inclusive, player-first approach became a hallmark of Punjab’s campaign. Iyer’s leadership stood out not only for his on-field tactics but for the way he empowered every individual associated with the squad.
“Shreyas is a very dear friend. I have known him for the past ten-fifteen years. Playing under him, him being the captain, is one of the best things to have happened to me, to be very honest,” said Shashank. “The way he gives freedom to everyone—not only me but all 25 players, support staff, content team, media team, logistics—is something very appreciable about him. And the way he and Ricky sir developed a culture where we love and care for each other was the main motto from Day 1. The result took care of itself.”
Ponting, too, played a major role in changing the mindset of the group. His emphasis on trust, communication, and belief resonated with players. “For me, it was about gaining the trust of every individual,” said Ponting. “That happened by winning matches… When you are down in the dumps, it’s easy to backstab each other. But our camaraderie is real.”
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Indian Core Takes the Spotlight as Punjab’s Vision Pays Off
One of the biggest revelations of the season was how Punjab’s uncapped India players thrived under the new leadership. The franchise, often criticized for chopping and changing, showed remarkable consistency in backing Indian talent. Players like Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, and Prabhsimran Singh were trusted with defined roles and ample opportunities, and they responded with match-winning performances.
Harpreet Brar, often used sporadically in past seasons, emerged as a dependable left-arm spinner, bowling tough overs and keeping the scoring in check despite him warming the bench earlier in the tournament.
Priyansh Arya, a relatively unknown name before the season, was nurtured as a high-intent opener and gave him a freedom to express himself. He blossomed into a consistent contributor, having amassed 424 runs in 14 matches while striking at 183.54.
Nehal Wadhera, a domestic dynamo, was played in a floating role that suited his temperament. His flexibility became a tactical asset. He recorded his best season according to the runs scored. He racked up 298 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 152.04 and average of 33.11.
Prabhsimran Singh’s rise was particularly heartening. Known for his stroke-making but often guilty of throwing away good starts, he found his rhythm this season. For the first time in his IPL career, he crossed the 400-run mark, showing maturity and the ability to play responsible innings when needed. The consistent support from Iyer and Ponting allowed him to back his game without fear of failure.
Read More: Priyansh Arya the next best thing in Indian cricket?
Manifestation, Preparation, and Belief: The Pillars Behind Punjab’s Resurgence
The shift in mindset was also apparent in how the team prepared for the season. Punjab Kings organized four to five pre-season camps to build team cohesion and clarify roles.
“We manifested this—not individually, but as a team,” said Shashank. “When the auctions were done, we had a WhatsApp group and we had conversations. We said this year we will win the title. Our first aim was to finish in the top two, and obviously we have passed that hurdle. But manifesting is one thing; believing is another.”
The team’s tactical strategy revolved around flexibility with overseas players and faith in the Indian core. Unlike previous seasons, where Punjab would constantly tinker with the playing XI, this year saw a much more balanced approach. The Indian spine of the team remained consistent, while overseas options were rotated based on matchups. It brought both stability and dynamism to their game plan.
Now, with the top-two finish secured and momentum on their side, Punjab Kings find themselves closer than ever to their first IPL title. But for Iyer, Ponting, and every member of this rejuvenated setup, the journey is already a success story in leadership, culture-building, and belief.
“Finishing in the top two is half a job done. The full job will be done on the 3rd of June, I guess. When late at night, at 12 o’clock, we will have a press conference. That will be the time I’ll tell you that ‘yes, we are at the top of the world,’” said Shashank with a smile. It’s a moment Punjab fans have been waiting more than a decade for—and under this leadership, it finally seems within reach.
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