Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting is impressed with the young batters in his squad before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). Ponting showered praise on young batter Priyansh Arya and dropped a huge hint at the opening combination for the highly anticipated tournament.
Ricky Ponting was appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings. He spent seven years as the head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) from 2018 to 2024. The former Australia captain played a key role in the squad selection during the mega auction, with the franchise spending ₹26.75 crore to acquire Shreyas Iyer.
Priyansh Arya Is a Very Special Potential Opening Batsman – Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting said Priyansh Arya is a promising opening batter, stating that the youngster has great potential for the tournament. Ponting also mentioned that Arya’s role in the team would depend on the overseas player combination. Notably, Ponting’s comments hint that Arya might open the innings for Punjab Kings alongside Prabhsimran Singh.
“Priyansh Arya, I think, is a very special potential opening batsman for us going forward in the tournament,” Ponting said at an event in New Chandigarh. “Depending on which way we go with our overseas make-up, he’s very exciting.”
Priyansh Arya gained attention after hitting six sixes in an over during the Delhi Premier League. The left-hand batter scored 325 runs at an average of 40.62 and a strike rate of 176.63, including a century, during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25. Arya is one of three opening batters in the PBKS squad.
Musheer Khan Has Got an Infectious Attitude – Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting picked Suryansh Shedge and Musheer Khan as two young players to watch in the Punjab Kings squad. He praised Shedge for his impressive performances. Ponting also said that Musheer Khan has an infectious attitude and brings great energy to the team.
“Suryansh Shedge is also someone who has been very impressive in our training so far,” Ponting said. “When I talk about energy and fun, another player that I am impressed with is Musheer Khan. He’s brought a lot to the group already. He has got an infectious attitude, and around the training ground and around the team so far, he’s been someone that I’ve really enjoyed working with.”
Punjab Kings To Commence IPL 2025 Campaign Vs Gujarat Titans On March 25
Suryansh Shedge had an outstanding Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season. He had the highest strike rate (251.92) among batters who faced at least 50 balls. Shedge played crucial cameos that helped Mumbai successfully chase 230 against Andhra and 222 against Vidarbha.
Meanwhile, Musheer Khan is set to make a return after being sidelined due to injuries from a car accident in September 2024.
Punjab Kings finished ninth last season and have never won an IPL title. They will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 25. PBKS aim to end their decade-long playoff drought under Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer. The Kings last reached the final in 2014.
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