‘Powerhouses of the IPL….’: Punjab Kings’ head coach Ricky Ponting makes a MASSIVE statement ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

New Delhi: November 24, 2024 – The day where 574 players from across the globe will be holding their breath, desperately looking at the screen for a paddle to go up when their names are called for the auction. However, ahead of the event, Punjab Kings‘ newly appointed coach Ricky Ponting expressed his thoughts about making some exciting bids in the IPL Mega Auction 2025. Ponting is on a mission to revamp the reputation and achieve the success that the Kings have never tasted. The former Australian captain shared his thoughts ahead of the Mega Auction. He also explained the reason behind retaining only two players: to build a strong and competitive team from scratch.

Ponting said, while talking to Star Sports, “I’ve been lucky to be around a few pretty successful teams. So MI for a few years and then DC, where we had a good run of making the playoffs there. And I liked the look of a few of the younger players in the Punjab Kings lineup. So that was the main attraction really, but mainly, it was to be able to start from scratch pretty much. The aim is to make the franchise one of the powerhouses of the IPL and make it a really dynamic, fun-loving environment that everyone wants to be a part of.”

Ponting also highlighted his mindset and MANTRA for a successful auction

Ponting highlighted three crucial aspects for a successful auction: sticking to the plan, keeping calm, and communication with the analyst. While talking to the broadcaster, Ponting said, “I think there are three most crucial things with a successful auction. One’s definitely making sure you stick to your strategy and not getting off that early on. I think being really calm and clear at the auction table is also a really important thing. And then communication on the day because, you know, you’re working with the analysts, you’re working with your owners.”

Punjab Kings have retained just two players: opener Prabhsimran Singh and middle-order hero Shashank Singh. They have a purse of ₹110.5 crore, which is the biggest purse of all IPL teams participating in the IPL Mega Auction 2025.