6 February, 2025; In the aftermath of the IPL 2025 auction, Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting shed light on the franchise’s aggressive strategy to secure three key Indian players—Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal. These acquisitions were not just strategic choices but essential building blocks for the team’s fresh approach under Ponting’s leadership.
While Shreyas Iyer commanded a record-breaking bid of ₹26.75 crore, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal fetched ₹18 crore each. Ponting explained the rationale behind these significant signings during his appearance on The Howie Games podcast.
“There were three players that I wanted to bring in,” Ponting said. “One who has been at Punjab Kings for three or four years—Arshdeep Singh. I also wanted to bring in a captain I have worked with before and who has had a lot of success. So, we went after Shreyas Iyer. I also wanted to bring in Yuzi. The Indian guys that we have are perfect.”
Ponting made it clear that these three players were at the heart of his rebuilding plans for Punjab Kings. “We had to make a few tweaks as the auction went on to ensure we ended up with a strong squad,” Ponting continued. “I’m trying to rebuild and create something different with the right people around me. But these three were non-negotiables.”
A Fresh Start for Punjab Kings
With these marquee players in the squad, Ponting promised a revamped Punjab Kings in the upcoming season. He emphasized that everything from the team’s approach to their leadership style would undergo a transformation.
“It’s going to be really different this year—the way we are perceived, the way we present ourselves, the way we train, and the way we play. Everything is going to be different from the previous years,” Ponting assured fans.
Ponting on Fan Fervor in India
Ponting also spoke about the unique experience of being a cricketing celebrity in India. He highlighted the immense fan following and the constant demand for photos and autographs.
“When you’re in India, on most flights or when you check into a hotel, there are so many people around trying to have a picture or they wish to grab your bag to drop it into your room. But it’s part and parcel of an Australian cricketer’s life when you visit India,” Ponting shared.
With the team’s reshaped core and new leadership, Punjab Kings fans can look forward to a season filled with promise and renewed energy. Ponting’s vision and these high-profile signings might just be the key to the franchise’s long-awaited success in the IPL.
