IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting's new role, Head Coach of Punjab Kings revealed
Xtra Time Web Desk: Ricky Ponting has been appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the IPL 2025 season, marking a new chapter in his illustrious coaching career. This move comes just over two months after his seven-year stint with Delhi Capitals ended.
Ponting has signed a four-year contract with the Kings, a franchise known for its diverse ownership structure. As part of his new role, Ponting will have the authority to finalize the coaching staff, though it remains uncertain who from the previous coaching team—Trevor Bayliss (head coach), Sanjay Bangar (head of cricket development), Charl Langeveldt (fast-bowling coach), and Sunil Joshi (spin-bowling coach)—will remain.
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This will be Ponting's third coaching assignment with a different IPL team in four seasons. The Kings, who finished ninth in the 2024 season, have not reached the playoffs since their runner-up finish in 2014. Ponting’s immediate task will involve evaluating and retaining key players for the next season, as the IPL finalizes its retention rules.
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Key players from last season include Harshal Patel, who won the purple cap for the second time, and uncapped Indian talents Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. The squad also features notable players such as Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, and overseas stars like Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and Kagiso Rabada. With Shikhar Dhawan retiring recently, Ponting will also need to find a new captain for the team.
Ponting’s IPL journey began in 2008 with Kolkata Knight Riders, followed by a stint with Mumbai Indians, where he stepped down as captain in 2013, allowing Rohit Sharma to lead the team to victory that year. He later served as head coach for Mumbai in 2015 and 2016. In 2018, he took over as head coach of Delhi Capitals, leading them to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and their first IPL final in 2020. Most recently, he guided Washington Freedom to a title-winning campaign in the 2024 Major League Cricket season.
