Ricky Ponting Warns Punjab Kings: ‘We Haven’t Achieved Anything Yet’ Despite Top-Two IPL Finish
NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings have stormed into the IPL 2025 playoffs with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, securing a coveted top-two spot. However, head coach Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian captain, has poured cold water on any premature celebrations, emphasizing that the team has ‘achieved nothing yet.’ His words serve as a stark reminder that the ultimate goal—the IPL trophy—remains elusive.
‘I mean, it’s a great milestone for us, no doubt, but if you look at the bigger picture, we haven’t achieved anything significant yet,’ Ponting told JioHotstar in a candid post-match interview. ‘That’s the one message I’ve been drilling into the players since the moment we qualified for the playoffs. Making it to the top four or top two is just half the battle. The real challenge lies ahead.’ Punjab Kings, who last reached the playoffs in 2014, have waited over a decade for this moment, making Ponting’s caution even more poignant.
Under Ponting’s guidance, Punjab Kings have transformed into one of the most balanced and cohesive units in the tournament this season. Their batting, led by explosive talents, and bowling, spearheaded by disciplined pacers and cunning spinners, have clicked in unison. Reflecting on the campaign, Ponting added, ‘This is a really talented group. Everyone is aligned with the same vision and heading in the same direction. Our goal from day one was to finish in the top two—we’ve achieved that. But with Qualifier 1 and potentially the final still to come, we’ve got a crucial week ahead.’
A key factor in Punjab’s resurgence has been the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer. Ponting, who previously worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals—where they reached the final in 2020—praised his skipper’s impact. ‘I was eager to work with Shreyas again. He’s a quality person and an exceptional leader. He knows exactly when to motivate players with a pat on the back and when to push them harder. That balance has been vital for our dressing room dynamics,’ Ponting noted.
As Punjab Kings gear up for Qualifier 1, where a win would take them directly to the IPL final, Ponting’s message is crystal clear: complacency is the enemy. ‘We’ve come a long way, but the mission isn’t over. Our focus now is to take it one game at a time and finish what we started,’ he concluded. With a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talents, Punjab Kings are poised for a thrilling climax to their IPL 2025 campaign. Will they finally end their title drought? Only time will tell.