Key Points

Punjab Kings achieved a remarkable victory in IPL 2025 by defending the lowest total in tournament history. Batter Nehal Wadhera highlighted the inspirational roles of coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer in motivating the team. The bowling unit, led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen, dismantled Kolkata Knight Riders for just 95 runs. This win propelled Punjab Kings to fourth place in the points table, showcasing their resilience and team spirit.

Key Points: Ponting Inspires PBKS' Record Low-Total IPL Win vs KKR

  • Lowest total (111) ever defended in IPL history by Punjab Kings
  • Yuzvendra Chahal and Marco Jansen crucial in bowling KKR out
  • Shreyas Iyer's leadership praised by team batter
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IPL 2025: Nehal Wadhera credits Ponting and Iyer for PBKS' historic win over KKR

Nehal Wadhera credits Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer for Punjab Kings' historic 16-run victory defending lowest IPL total ever

"I have never ever heard a negative word come out from his mouth - Nehal Wadhera on Ricky Ponting"

New Delhi, April 16

Punjab Kings’ batter Nehal Wadhera has credited head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer for inspiring the team to pull off a memorable 16-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 31 of IPL 2025. PBKS defended just 111 runs – the lowest total ever defended in IPL history – by bowling out KKR for 95.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Wadhera praised Ponting’s positive attitude and how it lifted the morale of the team, even after being bowled out for a low total.

“I have never ever heard a negative word come out from his mouth. When your coach is of such a character and the way he inspires everyone Even when we got out all out for 111, he just said that, 'Ok, today our bowlers need to get the job done. I need some really fiery spells today.' You know, automatically when players listen to such things from our coach, the confidence automatically, just boosts up,” said Wadhera in the post-match press conference.

Punjab’s bowlers responded well to the call. Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 4 for 28, and Marco Jansen chipped in with 3 for 17 to bowl KKR out cheaply.

Wadhera also praised skipper Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, saying his presence and energy helped the team believe in themselves.

“I think it really showed up in the field and I think it's all because of his pep talks and also Shreyas Iyer. The way he just charges up everyone, I think he's one of the finest captains I've ever played under. He's really great with what he does with the bat and the way he captains. The way he's leading the team is really great,” he added.

With this win, Punjab Kings moved to fourth place on the points table with eight points from six matches. They will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 18.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What an incredible match! Defending 111 is unbelievable. Ponting's mindset is truly world-class - turning what looked like a certain loss into motivation. PBKS bowlers were 🔥 today!
P
Priya M.
Shreyas Iyer proving why he's one of the best young captains in IPL. His energy is contagious! Though I wonder if PBKS can keep this momentum going with such a thin batting lineup...
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Arjun S.
Chahal's spell was magical! 4/28 on that pitch? Absolute legend. This match will go down in IPL history for sure.
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Sanjana P.
While the win is impressive, PBKS really needs to work on their batting. You can't expect to defend 111 every match! The top order collapse was worrying. Great bowling can't always save you.
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Vikram J.
Ponting effect is real! You can see why he's won so many trophies as player and coach. That positive mindset even in tough situations is what separates champions from others 👏
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Neha R.
Wadhera giving credit where it's due! So refreshing to see young players appreciating their coaches and captains. Team spirit looks amazing in PBCS this season 💛

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