Picture : Punjab Kings / X
Australian great Ricky Ponting appointed head coach of Punjab Kings, replacing compatriot Trevor Bayliss in the under-performing IPL franchise.
The former Australian captain a three-time World Cup winner, twice as Captain in 2003 and 2007, and in 1999 as a player has made the switch to Punjab Kings from Delhi Capitals, a team he was part of for seven years.
“We are delighted to have Ricky on to guide and build our team for the next four seasons. His experience is crucial to help us develop a squad to deliver on-field success,” franchise CEO Satish Menon said.
The team’s co- owner Bollywood actress Preity Zinta tweeted on X
🙌 Huge welcome to @RickyPonting as our new head coach! Let’s chase greatness, @PunjabKingsIPL ! 🏏🔥 #saddapunjab #PunjabKings #ting pic.twitter.com/NEqJ10Vypl
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) September 18, 2024
Under Ponting, Delhi Capitals became a force to be reckoned with though the title remained elusive. The only time they reached the final was in 2020. Ponting had coached Mumbai Indians before that.
Punjab have never won the IPL since the league’s inception in 2008 and the four co-owners will be hoping Australia’s World Cup-winning captain takes them all the way.
Punjab’s sole final appearance came way back in 2014. They have failed to finish in the top five in the last seven editions and ended ninth out of 10 teams in IPL 2024.
In a team statement, Ponting promised a different style of play going forward.
“I am excited to take up the new challenge. I had great conversations with the owners and the management about the way forward and was truly elated to see the alignment of our visions for the team.
“We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward,” he said.
