An Indian Premier League title has eluded the Punjab Kings. But with Ricky Ponting taking over as the head coach, the team hopes to play ‘brave cricket’.
“We are very excited about the talent we have. They’re very athletic, they’re going to be a brave cricket team and since the overseas players have come back in the squad, it has just complemented everything. They’re ready to play some brave cricket,” Brad Haddin, the assistant coach of the team, said on the eve of its season-opener against Gujarat Titans.
READ: IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans seek clean slate in season opener against new look Punjab Kings
With a new captain in Shreyas Iyer as well, the idea is to keep things simple and live up to the expectations. And, having worked with Ponting in the past, Haddin said, “The one thing Rick brings to the table is his care. We know he’s got good cricket knowledge, but the care he shows, not just for his team, but his whole organisation, is one thing that stands out.”
Haddin also heaped praise on Shreyas. “We have got a very driven captain, who has had a lot of success not only for India, but also in this competition. He has brought everyone together, the staff are on the same page as the players and from that point of view, what we’re seeing is a really tight group. It’s been led by the standards and the habits that the captain set.”