Ricky Ponting Praises Shreyas Iyer’s ‘Sparkle for Captaincy’ as Punjab Kings Seal Top-Two IPL Finish
In a historic moment for Punjab Kings, the franchise has clinched a top-two finish in the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings for the first time in 11 years. Following a commanding seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, head coach Ricky Ponting couldn’t hold back his admiration for skipper Shreyas Iyer, labeling him a leader with a ‘sparkle for captaincy‘.
Ponting, who has mentored Iyer in the past at Delhi Capitals, highlighted the franchise’s massive Rs 26.75 crore investment in the dynamic batsman during the mega auction. ‘It was evident with the amount we shelled out for him — we wanted him as our leader,’ Ponting remarked in a post-match press conference in New Delhi. ‘Shreyas has led from the front with immense maturity. He’s earned the trust of the players, which is crucial for any captain. That sparkle for captaincy shines through in every decision he makes on and off the field.’
The Shreyas-Ponting partnership previously came close to lifting the IPL trophy in 2020 with Delhi Capitals but fell short in the final. Now, with Punjab Kings securing a top-two spot, they have earned two opportunities to reach the IPL final scheduled for June 3. This advantageous position in the playoffs offers a safety net in the form of the first Qualifier and, if needed, a second chance through the Eliminator route.
Reflecting on the emotional high of this achievement, Ponting revealed plans for a well-deserved celebration. ‘Tonight, we’ll raise a glass as a team. It’s not just about the 25 players but also the 100-odd support staff who’ve been with us through thick and thin this season,’ he said with a smile, underlining the collective effort behind Punjab’s resurgence in the IPL 2024 campaign.
However, amidst the jubilation, Ponting addressed a significant challenge for the team ahead of the playoffs. Key all-rounder Marco Jansen will be unavailable as he joins the South African squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. ‘Marco is a high-quality player, and his absence is a big miss for us. But we’ve built enough depth in our squad to adapt. That’s why Kyle Jamieson stepped in tonight and delivered,’ Ponting explained, showcasing confidence in the team’s bench strength.
One of the standout contributors to Punjab’s dominant performance against Mumbai Indians was young opener Priyansh Arya, whose explosive 62 off 35 balls set the tone for the chase. Ponting was effusive in his praise for the rising star, calling him ‘one of the finds of the season‘. ‘Priyansh is a fearless talent. He sees the ball, hits the ball, and plays with a maturity beyond his years. We’re thrilled to have him in our setup,’ Ponting noted, hinting at a bright future for the 22-year-old Delhi-born batsman who has amassed over 350 runs this season at a striking rate of 145.83.
As Punjab Kings gear up for the playoffs, the spotlight will remain on Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and the team’s ability to navigate challenges like Jansen’s absence. With a blend of youthful exuberance and experienced guidance from Ponting, the franchise is poised to make a strong bid for their maiden IPL title. For now, though, the celebrations are in full swing, and deservedly so, for a side that has defied expectations with a remarkable turnaround after over a decade of near-misses.