Introduction: In the aftermath of a heart-wrenching defeat in the IPL 2025 final, Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting has once again captured the spotlight—not just for his tactical brilliance, but for a candid and humorous interaction with team co-owner Preity Zinta. As PBKS fell short by just six runs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who clinched their maiden title thanks to a stellar performance by Rajat Patidar, Ponting’s leadership and connection with his squad have been widely lauded. But it’s his recent exchange with Zinta, shared via PBKS’s official X handle, that reveals the intriguing duality of this cricketing legend.
The Final Showdown: The IPL 2025 final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad saw PBKS, under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, chase a daunting target set by RCB. Despite a valiant effort, they couldn’t bridge the gap, marking their second appearance in an IPL final without a trophy—the first being in 2014. Ponting, however, remained a pillar of inspiration, praising his team for their ‘unique spirit’ this season. ‘We brought something different to the table this year, and I’m proud of every player for giving their all,’ he remarked post-match.
A Dugout Invitation: In a lighter moment away from the intensity of the final, Bollywood star and PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta probed Ponting about his contrasting demeanor—fiery and aggressive on the field, yet calm and composed off it. ‘How do you switch between being so intense on the ground and so chilled out as a person?’ she asked with curiosity. The 50-year-old Australian legend responded with a chuckle, offering a rare peek into his mindset. ‘You need to come and sit next to me in the dugout sometime because you’ll see it’s not always calm. I’m naturally aggressive, especially when it’s cricket time,’ Ponting quipped, leaving Zinta and fans in splits.
The Ponting Philosophy: Ponting’s tenure with PBKS has been transformative, especially his decision to back Shreyas Iyer as captain after Kolkata Knight Riders released him ahead of the 2025 auction. Under Ponting’s guidance, Iyer led PBKS to their first final in over a decade, a testament to the coach’s faith and strategic acumen. Expanding on his approach, Ponting emphasized his unwavering commitment to high performance. ‘I’ll joke, have a coffee, and chat about anything outside cricket. But when it’s game time, it’s my job to ensure this team excels. I won’t waste a single minute, day, or training session—I’m here to make every player the best they can be,’ he asserted with conviction.
Looking Ahead: Despite the disappointment of the final, Ponting remains optimistic about PBKS’s future. ‘We’ll bounce back stronger next year. This squad has the heart and talent to go all the way,’ he assured fans. With his blend of intensity and empathy, the former Australian captain continues to redefine coaching in the IPL, building not just a team, but a legacy. As for Preity Zinta, will she take up the dugout challenge? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Ricky Ponting’s passion for cricket burns brighter than ever.