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Ricky Ponting Appointed Head Coach of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025

Ricky Ponting Appointed Head Coach of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025

By September 18, 2024 0

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has been appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This move comes after Ponting’s departure from Delhi Capitals (DC) in July 2024, where he served as head coach for seven years.

Ponting has signed a multi-year contract with PBKS, a franchise that has struggled to find success in recent seasons. He will be the sixth head coach in seven seasons for Punjab, who finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season.

Ponting’s immediate task will be to identify players to retain for the upcoming season, as the IPL is yet to finalize retention rules. Key performers for Punjab last season included Harshal Patel, Shashank Singh, and Ashutosh Sharma. The franchise also boasts a strong squad with Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, and overseas stars Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Johnny Bairstow, and Kagiso Rabada.

With Shikhar Dhawan recently retiring, Punjab will also be looking for a new captain. Ponting’s experience as a successful captain with the Australian national team and Mumbai Indians will be invaluable in this regard.

Ponting has been involved in the IPL since its inception in 2008, first as a player for Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians. He stepped down as Mumbai’s captain in 2013, paving the way for Rohit Sharma to take over. Mumbai won the title that year, with Ponting continuing in an advisory role in 2014 and serving as head coach for two seasons in 2015 and 2016.

In 2018, Ponting took charge as head coach of DC, leading them to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons between 2019 and 2021. DC also reached their first IPL final in 2020 under Ponting’s guidance.

Ponting’s appointment as PBKS head coach is a significant move for the franchise, as they look to turn their fortunes around and challenge for the IPL title. His experience, leadership, and tactical acumen will be crucial in helping Punjab achieve their goals.

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Harbhajan Singh vs. Ricky Ponting: The Rivalry That Defined India-Australia Cricket

Harbhajan Singh vs. Ricky Ponting: The Rivalry That Defined India-Australia Cricket

By September 17, 2024 0

The 1998 Coca-Cola Cup tri-series in Sharjah witnessed the birth of one of the most iconic rivalries in cricket history: Harbhajan Singh vs. Ricky Ponting.

Harbhajan, a young and promising off-spinner, had just made his ODI debut for India. In his fourth match, he faced the formidable Australian batsman Ponting, who was known for his aggressive batting style.

Ponting, batting at No. 3, started off strongly, hitting Harbhajan for boundaries. However, Harbhajan had the last laugh. In the same over, he had Ponting stumped by wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia. The dismissal was followed by a fiery send-off from Harbhajan, igniting a rivalry that would last for years to come.

Ponting, not one to back down, retaliated by barging into Harbhajan and exchanging words. The incident set the tone for their future encounters, which were often marked by intense competition and verbal exchanges.

The match itself was a high-scoring affair, with Australia posting 284 for 7 thanks to centuries from Michael Bevan and Mark Waugh. India, despite a brilliant 143 from Sachin Tendulkar, could only manage 250 for 5 in a weather-shortened game. Australia won by 26 runs.

The Harbhajan-Ponting rivalry became a defining feature of the India-Australia cricket rivalry. Harbhajan, with his guile and accuracy, often had the upper hand over Ponting, who was known for his attacking batting. Their battles on the field were always intense and often spilled over into verbal exchanges.

The rivalry reached its peak during the 2008 Sydney Test, where Harbhajan was accused of racially abusing Ponting. The incident led to a diplomatic row between India and Australia and cast a shadow over the relationship between the two cricketing nations.

Despite the controversies, the Harbhajan-Ponting rivalry remains one of the most memorable in cricket history. It was a clash of two contrasting styles and personalities, and it produced some of the most memorable moments in the sport.

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Ashwin's Surprising Choices for Best Cover Drive and Pull Shot Players

Ashwin’s Surprising Choices for Best Cover Drive and Pull Shot Players

By September 16, 2024 0

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts after revealing his choices for the finest players of the cover drive and pull shot. In a recent rapid-fire Q&A session, Ashwin surprised many by naming former England batter Marcus Trescothick as the best cover drive exponent, instead of his Indian teammate Virat Kohli.

Similarly, when asked about the greatest pull shot player, Ashwin opted for former Australian captain Ricky Ponting over India’s current skipper Rohit Sharma. These choices have raised eyebrows, considering Kohli and Sharma are widely regarded as masters of these shots.

Ashwin’s selections highlight his admiration for the technical prowess and consistency of Trescothick and Ponting. Trescothick, known for his elegant strokeplay, possessed an exceptional ability to time the ball and execute the cover drive with precision. Ponting, on the other hand, was renowned for his aggressive and powerful pull shot, which he used to devastating effect against fast bowlers.

While Ashwin’s choices may not align with popular opinion, they underscore his deep understanding of the game and his appreciation for players who excel in specific areas. It also serves as a reminder that different players have their own unique strengths and styles.

Beyond his opinions on batting, Ashwin also addressed his retirement plans. At 37 years of age, the off-spinner has enjoyed a remarkable career, taking over 500 Test wickets. However, he remains focused on the present and has no immediate plans to retire.

“There is nothing like that in my mind. I am only thinking about one day at a time because when you get older, you have to put in extra effort every single day. It’s not the same. I have put in a lot of effort in the last 3-4 years,” Ashwin said.

“I haven’t decided (retirement), but the day I feel that today I don’t want to improve, I will leave. That’s all,” he added.

Ashwin’s determination to continue playing at the highest level is a testament to his passion for the game and his belief in his abilities. As he prepares for India’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, Ashwin will be eager to prove that he still has plenty to offer.

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Australia and England Set for Decisive T20I Battle at Old Trafford

Australia and England Set for Decisive T20I Battle at Old Trafford

By September 14, 2024 0

The highly anticipated third and decisive T20I between Australia and England at Old Trafford promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams determined to clinch the series victory. After England leveled the series at 1-1 with a nail-biting three-wicket triumph in Cardiff, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting predicts an intense battle.

Ponting believes that England will recall Jofra Archer, who was rested for the second T20I, while Reece Topley may make way for Brydon Carse, who impressed in Archer’s absence. For Australia, Ponting expects Josh Hazlewood to return to the lineup.

“It’s more than ruthless now; it’s 1-1 and it’s Australia against England,” Ponting said on Sky Sports Cricket. “I don’t care what game it is, you want to win the series.”

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara echoed Ponting’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of fielding the strongest possible team in a series decider. “You can have all your planning and resting and rotation, but the quality of the side can’t be undermined,” Sangakkara said.

Both Ponting and Sangakkara acknowledged the depth of talent in both squads, which allows them to rotate players without compromising the quality of their teams.

The third T20I will be a crucial test for both Australia and England, as they seek to gain an edge in the highly competitive rivalry between the two cricketing giants. With the series on the line, expect a fierce and entertaining contest at Old Trafford.

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Zampa's Neutralization Costs Australia in Second T20I Loss

Zampa’s Neutralization Costs Australia in Second T20I Loss

By September 14, 2024 0

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has highlighted the importance of Adam Zampa’s leg-spin to Australia’s success, emphasizing that when Zampa is neutralized, the team struggles to win. This was evident in England’s three-wicket victory in the second T20I at Cardiff, where Zampa’s figures of 0-37 from four overs proved ineffective.

Ponting pointed out that Zampa’s performance in victories stands in stark contrast to his performance in defeats. In wins, he boasts an impressive average of 15.20 and an economy rate of 6.38, while in defeats, his average jumps to 40.07 and his economy rate to 8.49.

England’s strategy in the second T20I was clear: target Zampa’s weaknesses. They identified that he is more vulnerable to left-handed batters, and Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt adopted a cautious approach against him, rotating the strike rather than attacking him aggressively.

However, it was Jacob Bethell’s audacious performance that truly turned the tide. The 20-year-old hit Zampa for 26 runs off just 11 balls, including a remarkable 100m six over long-on. Bethell’s aggressive approach and willingness to use his feet forced Zampa to vary his lengths, creating scoring opportunities.

Ponting also criticized Australian batters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis for their ineffective approach against England’s spinners, particularly Livingstone. Their tendency to step away from their bodies and mishit shots towards long-on left them vulnerable.

In conclusion, Zampa’s struggles in the second T20I highlighted his importance to Australia’s success. England’s strategy of targeting his weaknesses proved effective, and Bethell’s aggressive approach further exposed his vulnerabilities. Australia will need to find a way to protect Zampa and neutralize England’s spinners if they want to regain the lead in the series.

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CSK Determined to Retain Dhoni Amidst IPL Retention Rule Changes

CSK Determined to Retain Dhoni Amidst IPL Retention Rule Changes

By September 13, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to undergo a potential overhaul in its retention rules ahead of the 2025 season. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially announce any changes, media reports suggest that franchises are still negotiating the number of retentions allowed.

Amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is determined to retain the services of legendary wicket-keeper batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni, regardless of the number of retentions granted. According to Cricbuzz, CSK is willing to retain Dhoni even if he is placed in the “uncapped” category, a move that would significantly reduce his salary cap hit.

Dhoni has been an integral part of CSK since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under his leadership, the franchise has won five IPL titles. Despite stepping down as captain in 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the team’s success.

Meanwhile, Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has praised the transformative impact of former India captain Virat Kohli on Test cricket in the country. Ponting believes that Kohli’s aggressive approach and belief in his team’s ability to win overseas have inspired a new generation of Indian batters.

Ponting also lauded the contributions of former head coach Rahul Dravid, who guided India to the T20 World Cup title in 2022. Dravid’s tenure saw India continue to excel in Test cricket, with memorable victories in challenging conditions abroad.

Under Kohli’s captaincy, India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. His absence during the 2020-21 series due to the birth of his daughter did not deter the team, which rallied under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane to secure a historic 2-1 series victory.

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Ricky Ponting Eyes IPL Return with Kolkata Knight Riders

Ricky Ponting Eyes IPL Return with Kolkata Knight Riders

By September 12, 2024 0

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer and coach, is currently a free agent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after parting ways with Delhi Capitals (DC) in July 2023. Ponting, a two-time World Cup-winning captain, joined DC in 2018 and guided the team to its maiden IPL final in 2021. However, the team’s performance in subsequent seasons fell short of expectations.

Despite his lackluster coaching record in the IPL, Ponting remains a highly sought-after figure in the league. As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, rumors are swirling that Ponting could join defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In a recent interview, Ponting expressed his interest in continuing his IPL journey, albeit with a different franchise.

“There might be a few opportunities coming up in IPL in the next few weeks, and we’ll see what happens,” Ponting told Sky Sports.

KKR is reportedly considering Ponting or Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara as a replacement for former mentor Gautam Gambhir, who was recently appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Meanwhile, Ponting remains eager to take up coaching opportunities in the IPL. He acknowledged that the lack of silverware during his tenure at DC led to his departure but expressed his desire to return to the league.

“I’d love to coach again in the IPL. I’ve had a great time every year that I’ve been involved, whether that was in the early days as a player or the couple of years I had at Mumbai as head coach there,” Ponting said on The ICC Review podcast.

“I’ve had seven seasons at Delhi, which unfortunately didn’t really work out the way that I would have wanted and certainly the way that the franchise would have wanted.”

“Me going there was all about trying to bring some silverware to the team and that didn’t happen,” he conceded.

With his wealth of experience and knowledge, Ricky Ponting remains a valuable asset to any IPL franchise. His potential move to KKR would be a significant development in the league and could bolster the team’s chances of retaining its title.

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Ricky Ponting Praises Indian Batters' Overseas Adaptability Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Ricky Ponting Praises Indian Batters’ Overseas Adaptability Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

By September 12, 2024 0

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series between India and Australia, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on the Indian batters, highlighting their remarkable adaptability to overseas batting conditions.

Ponting acknowledged that the Indian batsmen are no longer intimidated by the challenging pitches of the Gabba or the Optus Oval, as they were in the past. He attributed this shift to a combination of factors, including a strong selection process and a fearless approach to batting on the big stage.

“They won a game at the Gabba, which just doesn’t happen,” Ponting said. “I think their batsmen adapt to overseas batting conditions very well. I don’t think they’re as daunted by the Gabba or the Optus Oval, as they maybe once were.”

Ponting also credited the Indian Premier League (IPL) for playing a significant role in the development of Indian batsmen. He described the IPL as a “World Cup” for Indian players, where they gain invaluable experience in high-pressure situations.

“For the last 10 years being around the IPL, I’ve noticed that a lot of the young guys [don’t fear the big stage anymore] as the IPL is high-pressure, it is like a World Cup for them,” Ponting said. “Their batsmen are all very aggressive stroke-making players. They are not scared of failing.”

In addition to the batting prowess, Ponting also praised the Indian bowling attack, highlighting their depth and leadership. He believes that the strong leadership of Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid has played a crucial role in the team’s success.

“Their fast-bowling depth is great. The leadership in the last 6-7 years has been strong, going back to Kohli’s start of captaincy, played a big role in turning the cricket around and Dravid has continued the same in the recent four years,” Ponting said.

The BGT series, which begins on November 22, will be a highly competitive affair, with both teams eager to prove their dominance. India has won the last four series against Australia, including two victories in Australia, while Australia’s last series win in India came in 2004-05.

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Rishabh Pant's Remarkable Comeback: From Car Crash to Match-Winner

Rishabh Pant’s Remarkable Comeback: From Car Crash to Match-Winner

By September 12, 2024 0

Indian cricket’s rising star, Rishabh Pant, has made a remarkable comeback after a life-threatening car crash in December 2022. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has not only returned to competitive cricket but has also played a pivotal role in India’s recent successes.

Pant’s journey back to the field has been nothing short of inspiring. After sustaining multiple injuries in the accident, he underwent extensive rehabilitation and defied all expectations by making a comeback during the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023. His impressive performances in the IPL earned him a place in India’s T20 World Cup squad, where he played a key role in the team’s triumph.

With India set to tour Australia for a five-match Test series later this year, Pant’s presence in the middle-order will be crucial. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who coached Pant at Delhi Capitals, has hailed him as a “match-winner” and praised his exceptional talent.

“He’s an infectious character to have around the group. He loves his cricket, he’s a winner, that’s what he is,” Ponting said. “He’s got about nine 90s as well. [MS] Dhoni played for 120 Tests (90) and made 3 or 4 hundreds (6), this is how good this guy (Pant) is. He’s a serious cricketer.”

Ponting was particularly impressed by Pant’s mental resilience and determination to return to cricket as soon as possible. “It’s a remarkable comeback. If you can see even his leg now and listen to the stories he tells about what he confronted during his car accident, just the mental scarring that comes with that but the physical side and the rehab he went through, I didn’t think he would play last year’s IPL (2024),” Ponting said.

Pant’s comeback is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support he received from his family, friends, and teammates. As India prepares for the upcoming Test series against Australia, Pant will be one of the key players to watch, as he looks to continue his impressive run of form and help India achieve success on foreign soil.

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Jasprit Bumrah: The Unstoppable Multi-Format Bowling Force

Jasprit Bumrah: The Unstoppable Multi-Format Bowling Force

By August 20, 2024 0

Jasprit Bumrah: The Unstoppable Multi-Format Bowling Force

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has hailed Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as the best multi-format bowler in world cricket over the past five to six years. Despite concerns about his longevity, Bumrah has returned from injuries stronger than ever, impressing Ponting and the cricketing fraternity.

“He’s probably been the best multi-format bowler there’s been in world cricket for the last five or six years,” Ponting said on the ICC review. “There might have been some fears a couple of years ago when the injuries came in and ‘would he come back the same?’, but I think he’s actually come back better.”

Ponting emphasized the impact Bumrah has on opposition batsmen, who often describe him as a “nightmare” due to his unpredictable bowling style. “You never know what’s going to happen. One’s going to swing, one’s going to seam, he’s going to bowl an in-swinger, he’s going to bowl an out-swinger,” Ponting explained.

Bumrah played a pivotal role in India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup, taking 15 wickets. Ponting acknowledged Bumrah’s exceptional performance during the tournament, noting that his pace and accuracy remain unchanged. “The skillset is all the same. He’s getting better year on year. He would rank right up there,” Ponting said.

Ponting compared Bumrah to legendary bowlers like Glenn McGrath and James Anderson, highlighting their longevity and exceptional skills. “When you’ve got that skillset and the consistency that he has, then you’re going to be a great player. Look at (Glenn) McGrath, look at (James) Anderson, these guys, their longevity and their skills being able to hold up for such a long period of time is what separates them from the rest,” Ponting added.

Bumrah’s ability to adapt to different formats and conditions sets him apart from other bowlers. He has consistently performed at the highest level in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.

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