Ricky Ponting on PBKS culture: ‘Players must feel valued and backed’

Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting emphasised creating a supportive team environment where players feel valued and empowered. Speaking after their win over Mumbai Indians, he highlighted role clarity and auction strategy as key to building a successful T20 unit.

Hyderabad: Punjab Kings Head Coach Ricky Ponting said for him it would start with creating the right environment where every player feels valued and on the same page.

“ As a coach, I’m there to support and challenge them, not to control them. Even when they fail, they need to know that’s part of the game. In T20 cricket, you only need a few players to step up on any given day,” Ponting said on the JioHotstar special show, after his team outplayed Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on Thursday night.

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“So, it’s about building a strong group with clearly defined roles. That was a big part of our auction strategy as well, getting the right people in to shape the culture. When players feel backed, like someone like Prabhsimran or Shashank, they respond with performances, and that’s what ultimately drives results,” he explained.

JioStar expert Dale Steyn explained how Arshdeep Singh’s early breakthrough shifted momentum for Punjab Kings.

“In a game like this, a bit of luck goes a long way. You can bowl well without reward, but that one wicket, even if it comes your way, can change everything. Arshdeep Singh hadn’t been at his best this season, but once he got that breakthrough, you could see the difference,” he said.

“He settled into his rhythm, his yorkers started landing perfectly, and everything began to come out of the hand nicely. Sometimes, all it takes is that one moment to turn things around,” Steyn said.

JioStar expert Sanjay Bangar spoke about PBKS’s ‘Fearless Prodigy’ Prabhsimran Singh’s impact at the top.

“In hindsight, that drop did turn out to be a crucial moment because Prabhsimran Singh made the most of it. Punjab Kings’ top order has been doing the bulk of the scoring, and he brings that aggressive intent which immediately puts bowlers under pressure,” he said.

“What stands out is his ability to attack all around the ground. He doesn’t get restricted to one side. Whether it’s through the off side or over the top, he keeps his options open, which allows him to maintain a high strike-rate and keep the pressure on throughout,” Bangar said.

On Mumbai Indians’ team combination, Bangar said: “I was a bit surprised to see Quinton de Kock not being utilised more prominently because he’s a proven match-winner. When he gets going, he has the ability to win games on his own, and his record in T20 cricket reflects that. Mumbai Indians need that kind of impact at the top.”

“It might mean making tough calls, even looking beyond Ryan Rickelton, to get the right balance in the XI. They also need to ensure their overseas combination complements the Indian core, and someone like Will Jacks, when he comes in, could add that extra energy and intent to the line-up,” he said.