Ponting named Punjab Kings Head Coach

Australian great Ricky Ponting was on Wednesday 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 be reckoned with though the title remained elusive. The only time they reached the final was in 2020.

Ponting had coached Mumbai Indians before that.

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

Punjab's sole final appearance came way back in 2014. They have failed to finish in the top five in the last seven editions and ended ninth out of 10 teams in IPL 2024.

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 the now retired Shikhar Dhawan as the 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 without success.

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 2024 season.