IPL 2025: Punjab Kings get new head coach, Australian legend gets command
Punjab Kings have made a big change in their coaching staff before the start of IPL 2025. They have replaced their new head coach. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting will now become the new head coach of Punjab Kings. Ponting left Delhi Capitals in early 2024. Two months ago, Ponting resigned from the coaching post of Delhi Capitals. After joining Punjab, Ponting will also take his decision on other changes in the coaching staff.
Punjab changed 6 coaches in the last 7 years
Punjab Kings have changed their coach 6 times in the last 7 years. Ponting will be the sixth coach of Punjab in the last 7 years. Last season, Punjab Kings' performance was poor under the captaincy of Shikhar Dhawan. The team could not qualify for the playoff race.
Ponting started his IPL journey from Kolkata
Ponting has been a big part of the IPL setup since 2008. After working as a player for KKR in 2008, Ponting was part of Mumbai Indians till 2013. Mumbai also won their first title this year under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. In 2014, Ponting was seen as a consultant for Mumbai. In 2015 and 2016, he played the role of head coach for Mumbai. In the year 2018, Ponting was part of the coaching setup of Delhi Capitals.
A new captain will be announced
Shikhar Dhawan has recently decided to retire from international cricket and IPL. In such a situation, Dhawan will not participate in IPL 2025. Punjab will also be eyeing its new captain in the IPL 2025 auction. However, the Kings have not yet announced their new captain. Sam Curran played the role of acting captain in IPL 2024 after Dhawan was injured.
The trophy drought has lasted for 17 years
As far as Punjab Kings is concerned last season, the team was able to win only five times after playing 14 matches in the league stage. Punjab finished second from bottom in the points table. Punjab has a long history of being out of the title race after coming close to the playoffs. 17 seasons of the Indian Premier League have passed, but this team's title drought is not over. Now Ricky Ponting will have the responsibility of making Punjab the IPL champion for the first time.