Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer praised head coach Ricky Ponting, saying the Australian legend made every player feel confident during IPL 2025. Speaking on the YouTube channel of IQOO India, Iyer highlighted how Ponting created an open environment within the squad.
“This year, when Ricky came in as the coach, he made everyone comfortable. He instilled the sense that every player belonged to this franchise. He was open and honest about whatever he said. So, once you get that sort of feedback from your coach—that you can come back and perform at the best of your abilities—you’re confident enough. At the back of your mind, you feel very comfortable in the dressing room, and you can interact with everyone,” Iyer said.
PBKS had a memorable campaign in IPL 2025 under Iyer’s leadership. They finished at the top of the table and reached the final for the first time since 2014, before falling short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Ponting, meanwhile, is no stranger to success as a coach in the IPL. He guided Mumbai Indians (MI) to the 2015 title and later helped Delhi Capitals (DC) qualify for three consecutive playoffs.
Iyer also appreciated Ponting’s openness and willingness to listen to players.
“He told us that his room was open 24/7 for anyone to talk. If you had anything to share, any advice you wanted, you could just have a chat,” Iyer added.
Despite his strong IPL season—where he scored 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07, including six fifties—Iyer was not included in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad.
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