Former Australian player Ricky Ponting. File.
| Photo Credit: Action Images via Reuters

Australian great Ricky Ponting was on Wednesday (September 18, 2024) appointed head coach of Punjab Kings, replacing compatriot Trevor Bayliss in the under-performing IPL franchise.

The former Australian captain has made the switch to Punjab Kings from Delhi Capitals, a team he was part of for seven years. “We are delighted to have Ricky on to guide and build our team for the next four seasons. His experience is crucial to help us develop a squad to deliver on-field success,” franchise CEO Satish Menon said.

An IPL source added that Ponting will take a call on the rest of the support staff.

Under Ponting, Delhi Capitals became a force to reckon with though the elusive title never came. The team reached the final in 2020. He has also coached Mumbai Indians.

Punjab too have never won the IPL since the league’s inception in 2008 and the four co-owners will be hoping the World Cup-winning captain takes them all the way.

Punjab’s sole final appearance came way back in 2014 and they are one team which is often criticised for frequent chopping and changing. They have failed to finish even in the top five in the last seven editions and ended ninth out of 10 teams earlier this year.

In a team statement, Ponting promised a different style of play going forward.

“I am excited to take up the new challenge. I had great conversations with the owners and the management about the way forward and was truly elated to see the alignment of our visions for the team.

“We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward,” he said.

Bayliss was in charge of the side for the past two seasons with now-retired Shikhar Dhawan as its captain.

Sanjay Bangar was head of cricket development, Charles Langveldt, the fast bowling coach, and Sunil Joshi took care of the spinners.

Prior to Bayliss, Anil Kumble coached Punjab Kings but success eluded them.

Punjab have had a strong core including Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran and Jonny Bairstow but the results have not come. Uncapped Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma were the standout players for Punjab Kings in an otherwise forgettable season this year.

Delhi Capitals’ head coach Ricky Ponting, Axar Patel and Rishabh Pant, during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru on May 11, 2024
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting backed Axar Patel to come good as captain in the absence of the suspended Rishabh Pant for the tie against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru on May 11.

“He has been vice-captain for the last couple of seasons and he is very sensible and understands the game really well,” said Ponting, on match-eve.

“And he is really excited. We started talking about it a couple of days ago when there was a possibility that Rishabh might be banned. So, he has got his head around it. I am sure he will lead the team really well.”

Apart from being the leader, Pant has been his side’s best batter. With David Warner’s fitness still wobbly — he has missed the last four matches — DC will need to dip into its reserves.

“Rishabh has been one of the best players this IPL and not having him is a loss. But it is also a great opportunity for others. We have to think about an Indian middle-order player. David Warner has trained really strongly. We hope he is available for selection.”