PBKS Stay Grounded Despite Top-Two Finish: Ponting Says “We Haven’t Achieved Anything Yet”

Punjab Kings (PBKS) may have broken their 11-year playoff drought in IPL 2025 and sealed a top-two finish, but head coach Ricky Ponting insists the team’s job is far from done. After their commanding win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Jaipur, which ensured them two shots at reaching the final, Ponting was quick to temper celebrations.

"I'm obviously very pleased for the group," Ponting said post-match. “It’s a great achievement till now, but really, we haven’t achieved anything yet. That’s the one thing I’ve been saying to the players since the moment we qualified. The vision was always to finish in the top two, and we’ve got there now. But we’ve got another week to go yet.”

PBKS topped the table with nine wins in 14 games and are guaranteed a place in Qualifier 1. Despite their strong league showing, Ponting emphasized focus on the “big games” ahead, underscoring the need for performance when it matters most.

A key figure in PBKS' resurgence is Shreyas Iyer, signed for a whopping INR 26.75 crore. Ponting, who worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals, was adamant about bringing him into the PBKS fold. “I’ve known him a long time. He’s a quality person and player, and when you’re trying to change culture, that’s what you need. He’s given players both encouragement and tough love – a sign of strong leadership.”

Iyer reciprocated the praise, crediting Ponting’s trust and player management style. “He gives me the freedom to express myself. I tell him, ‘you do the thinking outside, I’ll handle it on the field.’ It’s working beautifully.”

The captain also lauded Josh Inglis, who struck a match-winning 73 off 42 balls against MI after being promoted to No. 3. “He loves the new ball, so we backed him. He’s a big-match player, and he showed that today.”

Reflecting on the season, Iyer said the team’s success stems from contributions across the board. “Every individual stepped up at the right time. Even when we were down, someone always put their hand up. That mindset has carried us through.”

As PBKS head into the playoffs with momentum and self-belief, the team remains grounded. Ponting’s message is clear: celebration can wait – the real test is yet to come.

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