IPL 2026: 'We've to start all over again,' says PBKS coach Ponting ahead of campaign opener against GT
New Chandigarh, March 30
Punjab Kings are set to kick off their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans at their home ground, New International Stadium, New Chandigarh on Tuesday.
Speaking about the campaign opener, head coach Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in a stronger, more evolved squad heading into the new season.
Ponting emphasised that while last season's top-of-the-table finish was encouraging, the team is approaching the new campaign with a fresh mindset.
"It's nice to reflect on what was a great season for the franchise, but that doesn't mean anything going into a new year. It's nil-nil now for everybody. We've got to start that all over again," he said.
The coach also pointed to improved squad depth and flexibility as a major strength this season, with multiple options available across roles.
"We've got the players that we want in certain roles, but we've also got a back-up player for most of those players right the way down to our 25th player. I just think overall, we should be stronger," the head coach said.
He further added, "I just think there's been natural growth in a lot of our players and if we can bring the best out of them over the next two months, starting tomorrow, there's no reason why our performances can't be better than last year."
With the season opener set to be played on a surface expected to favour batting, Ponting acknowledged the importance of adapting quickly to conditions while finalising the playing XI.
He said, "We have got 25 players to pick from, with a nice balance of overseas players and Indian talent. First and foremost, we have to understand the conditions before we pick the team. It's just started raining now, so all the covers have gone down outside, so we haven't actually seen the playing surface for the last couple of days."
"So hopefully before the end of the session tonight, we can have a really good look at the wicket that we're going to use tomorrow, and then we can start thinking about different combinations and impact players and what we might want to do with our line-up," he further added.
As Punjab Kings prepare to take the field, Ponting expressed his excitement to get the ball rolling, while also emphasising his belief in this new squad.
"We need to start well tomorrow, we need to play well at our home ground, but I honestly feel that we've got a better squad than we had last year. Our younger players are more experienced now and the overseas players that we've brought in this year are better than the squad that we had last year. So overall, I'm really excited to get the season underway," he concluded.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The focus on squad depth is smart. In a long tournament like the IPL, injuries and form slumps are inevitable. Having a strong backup for each role could be the difference between a good and a great season for Punjab.
All this talk is fine, but the proof is on the field. PBKS has a history of strong squads on paper that don't deliver the trophy. Hope Ponting can finally change that. The first match against GT will set the tone.
Love the humble and grounded approach. "Nil-nil now for everybody" – that's the perfect mindset. No room for complacency. Wishing the boys all the best from Chandigarh! 🤞
Respectfully, I feel the coach is downplaying last season's success a bit too much. Confidence from winning is important too. The team should carry that winning momentum, not just reset to zero. Just my two paise.
Interesting to see the focus on the pitch and conditions. Adaptability is key in T20. Hope the rain clears up and we get a proper cricket wicket, not a one-sided batting paradise.
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