Former Australian captain and all-time leading run scorer in Tests and ODIs, Ricky Ponting has been appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings in the IPL from September 18. Ponting had earlier spent seven years at the helm of Delhi Capitals. He had signed a four-year contract with the Mohali-based franchise after moving on from DC in July 2024.

Under his tenure with Delhi Capitals, Ponting had settled well, but he was eager to move to the IPL and see a new challenge. The passion and the desire for renewal took him to the Punjab Kings, which were themselves looking for a new head coach. “I had discussions with a few of the franchises, but it was the exciting vision of ‘Project Punjab’ that really drew me to the project”, he quoted, giving reasons for how he ended up joining the team co-owned by Preity Zinta.

With a glorious coaching history like guiding the Mumbai Indians to the IPL title of 2015, Ponting is likely to be the difference-maker for Punjab Kings. People are excitedly waiting to see how his leadership will mold the future of the side.

“Yes, I was talking to a few teams, but it was ‘Project Punjab’ that attracted me. It is a team that hasn’t had a lot of success over a long period of time, a team that’s changed coaches a lot, so I saw it as a challenge. The other exciting part is that I saw some really exciting youngsters last year at Kings’ that hopefully we can attract back to the team for this season and put together a team that is going to be good enough to win the IPL,” Ponting was quoted as saying by ESPNcricifno.

“I mean, there’s no doubting over the years that the Kings have had good players and have had good teams. They just haven’t been able to win it yet. I have a longish-term deal there, and hopefully, during that period of time, we can win the IPL,” Ponting added.