Chandigarh:
Aside from Punjab Kings (PBKS), no team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had 17 captains since the tournament started in 2008. With Ricky Ponting coming onboard as coach and Shreyas Iyer appointed as captain, stability might finally arrive for this franchise, which commenced IPL18 with two victories out of their first two matches.
Sunil Joshi, the spin bowling coach and ex-India spinner, highlighted a changed atmosphere within the squad that has contributed to their strong beginning. \”This time around, the ambiance feels distinct. The training sessions in Dharamsala and elsewhere were successful. International as well as domestic players are performing admirably,\” he commented.
I can confidently state that the aspects we didn’t observe last season but are emerging now bring positivity. Our new captain is youthful, dynamic, and optimistic, which has significantly boosted team spirit. Additionally, there is an excellent sense of teamwork among us.
The younger members of the PBKS team have acknowledged Iyer and Ponting for fostering a conducive atmosphere. Following his strong performance against the Lucknow Super Giants, Nehal Wadhera commented, \”I owe all the praise to how effectively Iyer leads us. Additionally, it’s due to him bolstering our self-assurance and advising me, such as saying \’stick to your usual style\’ and ‘just let it happen naturally.’’ I thoroughly enjoy performing this way,\” stated Wadhera during an interview with the official broadcaster.
Regarding Ponting, Wadhera stated, \”I have to show Ricky Ponting that his support was justified.\” He mentioned that he has \”never encountered any unfavorable comments\” from Ponting.
\”Each head coach incorporates their distinct dynamics, communication style, and atmosphere when they join the team. With Ricky, it’s characterized by positivity and transparent communication,\” stated Joshi.
Ponting and Iyer, who are respectively the IPL-winning captain and coach, expressed their desire for PBKS to improve performance at their home ground. As they head into their first match at home against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium (PCA) in Mullanpur near Chandigarh this Saturday, PBKS aims to secure their third win from as many games.
PBKS have won only one out of five matches played in Mullanpur last season,. “That is now history. We won the first two games and we will try to carry the winning momentum,” said Joshi.
Joshi said PBKS have eight bowling and nine batting options so it does not matter whether they are playing home or away. Also, Prabhsimran Singh, Wadhera, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar and Harnoor Pannu are PBKS players from Punjab so they would know the conditions well.
The match also marks the return of all-rounder Sanju Samson as Royals captain. “I was a bit surprised at missing out on three games. It was a different experience not being in the playing XI and seeing teammates in action. I am excited to be fully fit and really looking forward to the action,” said Samson.
Samson served as an impactful pinch-hitting substitute due to his injury, with Riyan Parag taking charge of RR. He mentioned that opening the innings, maintaining wickets, and captaining the team would bring fresh experiences. \”It adds a new layer to my career,\” he stated.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance has been worrying, but Samson mentioned that he has been dedicating considerable time practicing at the nets. So far, Jaiswal’s scores have been 1, 29, and 4.
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