Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been named head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) edition. This appointment comes two months after he parted ways with Delhi Capitals, concluding his seven-year stint with the team.
According to media reports, Ponting has signed a four-year deal with the Punjab-based franchise. However, they are yet to make a final call on the rest of the coaching staff for the upcoming season. The last year’s coaching unit included the likes of Trevor Bayliss (head coach), Sanjay Bangar (head of cricket development), Charl Langeveldt (fast-bowling coach), and Sunil Joshi (spin-bowling coach).
After being appointed as PBKS’ new coach, the 49-year-old expressed his delight and excitement for the role.
“I am grateful to Punjab Kings for presenting me with the opportunity to be the new head coach. I am excited to take up the new challenge. I had great conversations with the owners and the management about the way forward and was truly elated to see the alignment of our visions for the team. We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years, and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward,” said Ponting.
Speaking on Ponting’s appointment, Satish Menon, CEO of the Kings said, “We are delighted to have Ricky on to guide and build our team for the next 4 seasons. His experience is crucial to help us develop a squad to deliver on-field success. His insights from his international coaching stints and as a television pundit would be vital in identifying talent ahead of the mega auction this year. His ability to develop cricketing and leadership skills will play a crucial role in our success.”
The Kings, who have struggled with inconsistent performances in recent years, will see Ponting as their third head coach in the last four seasons. Notably, the franchise has struggled to qualify for the playoffs since 2014, when they emerged as runners-up. In the 2024 IPL season, they suffered a disappointing ninth-place finish, with just five wins out of 14 matches.
Ponting’s first task in preparation for the IPL 2025 would be shortlisting players for potential retention ahead of the Mega Auction. Last season’s key performers in the squad included Harshal Patel, the Purple Cap winner, along with uncapped Indians Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma.
The squad also features left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, and leg spinner Rahul Chahar. The squad is also bolstered by overseas players, including England’s Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada. Additionally, the team is currently looking to appoint a new captain as Shikhar Dhawan recently called time on his career.
