Ricky Ponting appointed Punjab Kings head coach ahead of IPL 2025
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting will assume the role of head coach in the Punjab Kings (PBKS) set-up, starting IPL 2025. The development comes just months after he parted ways with the Delhi Capitals (DC) with whom he shared a seven-year association.
A report on ESPNCricinfo confirmed the development, with the Punjab Kings also taking to their social media account to drop a clear hint regarding the same.
Ponting is no stranger to the Indian Premier League (IPL), having represented two teams - Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the past. He was also the captain of MI for a short time before stepping down from the role and handing Rohit Sharma the reins.
On Wednesday, September 18, Punjab Kings took to their official account on X and put out a post, teasing the appointment of the star batter.
Take a look at the post here:
Ponting will be the Punjab-based franchise's sixth coach. He takes over from Trevor Bayliss, who was with the side since 2023.
How has Ricky Ponting fared as a coach in the Indian Premier League?
Ricky Ponting has been a coach for two franchises in the Indian Premier League. Back in 2014, Ponting served as an advisor for the Mumbai Indians before assuming the role of head coach in 2015 and 2016. Under his tutelage, MI went on to win their second title.
Ponting then made the switch to up north of India and joined Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils). After a disappointing last-place finish in his first season (2018) in charge of the Delhi-based franchise, he helped the team qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2012. He then guided Delhi Capitals to their first appearance in the final of the IPL in 2020 as they went down to eventual champions, Mumbai Indians.
The Punjab Kings assignment for Ponting will be his third in the IPL. As of now, he is the only member of the coaching panel, with other appointments to be made soon.