IPL 2026: ‘We’ve got some work to do’ – Ricky Ponting flags concerns despite unbeaten Punjab Kings run

NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings pulled off a historic run chase in opposition to Delhi Capitals, and head coach Ricky Ponting made it clear that skipper Shreyas Iyer was on the coronary heart of the victory. Chasing an enormous 265, Punjab confirmed perception all through, with Iyer calmly guiding the crew dwelling with an unbeaten 71.

Ponting didn’t maintain again in praising his captain and defined why he had pushed laborious to deliver Iyer into the crew. “He’s a terrific individual. And that’s the rationale that I went as laborious as I did within the public sale. I knew he was going to be a terrific chief and for us to rebuild this crew and rebuild this franchise,” he mentioned.

Punjab acquired off to a flying begin because of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, whose aggressive batting set the tone early within the chase. Their partnership gave the crew momentum, and Iyer made certain it didn’t go to waste by staying until the top.

Ponting revealed his confidence in Iyer in the course of the chase. “As a result of one factor I do know is that if he’s in on the finish in a run chase, we’re not going to lose too many video games. And even tonight, I went out on the 11, 12 over mark. I simply grabbed maintain of him and mentioned, when you’re in on the finish, we’ll win the sport. And he did it once more,” he added.

Ponting additionally praised the opening pair, saying, “And the partnership that he (Prabhsimran) and Priyansh have collectively is fairly wonderful. They complement one another very well. Left hand, proper hand. Each hit completely different components of the bottom.”

Regardless of the document chase, he identified areas needing enchancment. “It’s satisfying that you simply’ve acquired the best run chase, however to have the best run chase, you’ve additionally acquired to concede a number of runs. So we’ve acquired some work to do with our bowling and our fielding,” he mentioned.

He additionally spoke about mentoring younger gamers like Prabhsimran. “On the finish of the day, I’m a instructor… Fortunately, he’s listening and getting the job completed.”