Ricky Ponting Praises Uncapped Players for Punjab Kings’ Success in IPL 2025
Ricky Ponting believes that uncapped players played a major role in helping Punjab Kings reach the playoffs of IPL 2025. Before joining the team, Ponting had clearly told the team owners that he wanted full control over team management.
Punjab Kings qualified for the IPL playoffs for the first time since 2014 and even finished at the top of the points table during the league stage. According to Ponting, the team’s strategy in the auction and the excellent performance of uncapped (non-international) players helped in executing his game plan perfectly.
The major credit for this season’s success goes to captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, who brought a fresh approach to the team. Ponting had previously won titles with Mumbai Indians as a player and coach and had also coached Delhi Capitals for seven seasons. When joining Punjab Kings, he told the owners he needed complete freedom to run the team, and the results of that freedom are now clear.
Team Building Started From the Auction
In a conversation with PTI before the playoffs, Ponting said that he had made sure things would be different this time from the moment he joined the Punjab Kings. He said, “We started right from the auction. We retained only two uncapped players, which brought criticism. Many people thought we made a mistake. But I was very clear about the direction I wanted to take the team, and we picked the right players for it.”
Uncapped Players Made the Difference
Ponting shared that this season has gone very well so far. “In our last match against Mumbai Indians, six uncapped players were in the playing XI and all of them performed brilliantly. We had discussed that we must finish in the top two, and now we are on top after the league stage. It feels great,” he added.
He gave special credit to Indian core players, especially captain Shreyas Iyer. “We got all the players we wanted, be it young Indian talents or experienced overseas cricketers. Even after Glenn Maxwell and Lockie Ferguson left early in the season, we didn’t lose our momentum. Our Indian core was excellent, and Shreyas Iyer has led the team really well,” Ponting said.
Four Indian Players Who Can Play for India
Ponting named four Indian players who, in his opinion, are capable of playing for the national team. He said, “I think there are four players who can represent India in the future. Before the auction, I watched Priyansh Arya’s videos for hours, and I knew I wanted him in the team. Prabhsimran Singh, who is only 24 years old, became the highest run-scorer among uncapped players in IPL history.”
He further said, “Nehal Wadhera can be a good middle-order option for India. And Shashank Singh’s high strike rate and his ability to hit big shots in the death overs make him a very useful player.”
Young Players Delivered for Punjab Kings
In IPL 2025, Prabhsimran Singh scored 499 runs, while Priyansh Arya made 424 runs, including one century and two half-centuries. Both gave strong starts as openers and dominated bowlers during the powerplay. Meanwhile, Nehal Wadhera scored 298 runs, and Shashank Singh added 284 runs. These two also played important innings for the team in the middle order.
Ponting concluded by saying that the planning started from the auction. “We only retained two uncapped players and received criticism for it. People thought we made a mistake, but I was very clear about the kind of team I wanted to build. So far, the results have been very good, and in the last match against Mumbai, our six uncapped players delivered an outstanding performance.”
Also read: Deepika Padukone Breaks Silence After Shocking Exit From Spirit Fans Think She Is Sending a Strong Message. Airtel Launches Plans With Free Netflix.