Punjab Kings fell short of the ultimate prize in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League by the finest of margins. PBKS lost by six runs in the IPL final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru as Rajat Patidar’s RCB claimed their first-ever crown. While Punjab, led by Shreyas Iyer were also in the quest for a maiden crown, it was their rivals that prevailed. Despite the heartbreak in the final, PBKS coach Ricky Ponting attracted praise for his managerial prowess and the relationship he formed with the members of his squad.The former Australian international and legend also showered praise on his side after the defeat in the final, and took pride in the fact that the team showcased something ‘different’ this year. In a recent clip posted on PBKS’s official X handle, the coach takes out his ‘funny’ side in an interaction with co-owner and Bollywood star Preity Zinta. The latter was urged to do something never seen before by the coach in response to a question regarding his alternating demeanour while representing the franchise.“How does somebody be so aggressive on the ground and as a person, but be so calm and chilled out?”, asked Zinta as she expressed her curiosity on the 50-year-old’s behavior on the pitch. The former Australia skipper is know for wearing his heart on his sleeve, but also for his polite and kind nature off of it.Chuckling in response, the coach made a hilarious offer to the co-owner to debunk her assumption. “You need to come and sit next to me in the dugout sometimes because you will see that it’s not always calm. Look, I’m an aggressive natured person, especially when it’s cricket time.”
Ponting made headlines for his trust on skipper Shreyas Iyer, who was not retained by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025, but was made PBKS skipper and ultimately led the franchise to their first final since 2014. Ponting then clarified that he very jolly and cheerful outside of cricket and will have a laugh with anyone regardless. However, he stressed that when it comes to his duty, he makes zero compromises.
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“I’ll have a laugh and a joke and a coffee and a sit down with anyone and talk about anything outside of cricket time. But when it’s cricket time, it’s my job to bring high performance to this team. And so I’m not gonna waste a minute, I’m not gonna waste a day, I’m not gonna waste a training session where I’m not trying to be the best coach that I can be and make every single player that’s playing with me the best player that they can be,” said an earnest Ponting.Who’s that IPL player?The PBKS coach also assured that his side will bounce back stronger next year.
