Punjab Kings entered the ongoing IPL 2025 mega auction, which is taking place in Jeddah with the biggest purse. The head coach of Punjab disclosed the rationale behind the team's decision to pass on Rishabh Pant, a player who was speculated to join the franchise by multiple reports. Additionally, he suggested that Shreyas Iyer might lead the Punjab Kings as captain. Having previously worked with Pant in the Delhi Capitals since 2018, Ponting praised the standout wicketkeeper-batter and described him as a "dynamic" player. Since Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history, Ponting thought the Lucknow Super Giants did a fine job of acquiring his services for Rs 27 crore.
"I haven’t got it yet. I got the other one. I mean, Rishabh—everyone knows what he brings to the table. Everyone knows his value to the game, his value to a team. He’s a dynamic player with an infectious attitude. He loves the game and is a natural winner. They’ve done well to secure someone like him," Ponting told the broadcasters during the auction.
Ponting on PBKS captain
Ponting was later also asked will Iyer become their captain in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Ponting did not confirm it but his answer did depict what the future might hold.
"I haven’t spoken to him about it yet. I tried to call him earlier, but he didn’t answer his phone. That said, I’ve worked with him in the past. He’s been a successful captain in the IPL before, and I had the opportunity to work with him for three or four years at Delhi. Of course, he’s also a championship-winning captain from last season, so we’ve got someone there who can definitely do the job if that’s the way we decide to go," Ponting said.
Ponting also talked about the time he worked together with Shreyas Iyer in Delhi Capitals when they led the team to the final for the first time ever in IPL 2020.
"I’m delighted to have him back and to be working with him again. He’s coming off a great score as well. I believe he got 130 off just 50 balls yesterday. If he can replicate that kind of performance for us in the IPL, I think we’ll all be pretty happy.
