PBKS Winning Without Overseas Help Reflects 'True Confidence', Says Nick Knight

Can PBKS Go the Distance This Season? Knight and Aaron Believe the Confidence Is Real

With back-to-back wins to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are already turning heads — and former cricketers Nick Knight and Varun Aaron believe this could finally be their year. What’s impressed them most? The confidence within the squad, rooted in a strong system put in place by captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo's Time Out show, Aaron praised Ponting's clear leadership style from the outset.

"The whole campaign started with Ricky Ponting making it clear — ‘this is my team and this is how I’m going to run it’,” Aaron said. “There was no room for outside noise. And when someone like Ponting teams up with Shreyas — both IPL-winning captain and coach — it creates a really solid structure. That’s what we’re seeing with PBKS right now.”

Indian Core Leading the Way

PBKS began their season by defending a massive 244 against Gujarat Titans (GT), with Indian stars Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, and Shashank Singh leading the charge. In their second outing, they chased down 172 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Shreyas again delivering under pressure.

For Knight, what stands out is not just the wins — but who’s securing them.

“They’ve won two games quite convincingly, especially the one against LSG,” he said. “And what’s remarkable is that their overseas players haven’t had a major impact yet. It’s been the Indian players stepping up. The captain is calm, authoritative, and you can see the team playing with his mindset — aligned with Ricky Ponting’s vision. That’s where this real confidence is coming from.”

Depth Yet to Be Tapped

PBKS boast a strong overseas lineup featuring Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Lockie Ferguson, and Azmatullah Omarzai — none of whom have played a starring role so far. Knight sees this as a huge bonus.

“You know those overseas guys are going to have their moments — win games and make match-turning contributions. But if you’re winning without them early on, that puts you in a very strong position.”

Breaking Old Habits

Aaron pointed out how PBKS showed a new level of composure in their opener — a trait more often associated with teams like CSK and Mumbai Indians.

“Over the years, PBKS have often lost tight games from winning positions. But that first win over GT was a turning point. They kept calm even when the game got tense — something they haven’t always done in the past. It’s very CSK, very Mumbai — pulling off close games with a clear plan and nerve. That was a statement win.”

With two solid victories, a calm and composed leadership duo, and match-winners still waiting in the wings, PBKS might just be building something special this season.

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