The Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has joined as Punjab Kings head coach for the IPL 2025. He has also confirmed that he had been approached by a few other Indian Premier League for coaching ahead of the mega auction.

The Australia skipper has joined the franchise on a four-year contract. The former cricketer has rich experience with various IPL leagues, having played for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians.

Ponting also worked with the Mumbai Indians as an advisor in 2014 and later as head coach during the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Ponting revealed that he received offers from multiple franchises before choosing to coach the Punjab Kings where he revealed the reason for joining the franchise.

“Yes, I was talking to a few teams, but it was “Project Punjab” that attracted me. It is a team that hasn’t had a lot of success over a long period of time, a team that’s changed coaches a lot, so I saw it as a challenge,” said Ponting.

Ponting strategy involves a deep dive into team dynamics. he plans to bring in some stability, something Punjab Kings has desperately lacked.

“We need to build a culture where players feel secure and motivated,” Ponting commented. His vision for Punjab includes not just winning games but building a legacy. “We want to repay the fans who have stayed loyal over the years,” he added.

Punjab has not reached the playoffs since 2014, a record Ponting aims to rectify. His decisions will be around the auction, where he’ll look to craft a team that reflects his aggressive strategy.

“We need players who can think on their feet, adapt quickly, and execute under pressure,” he explained. “Every decision, from player selection to strategy, will be aimed at creating a cohesive unit,” he added.

“We’re delighted to have Ricky on board. His experience and success in the IPL are exactly what we need,” said Ponting.

Ponting will be the head coach of the Punjab Kings in four seasons, following the team’s disappointing ninth-place finish in the IPL 2024 table. The franchise has not qualified for playoffs since 2014.