Do Punjab Kings (PBKS) have what it takes to go all the way in IPL 2025? Nick Knight and Varun Aaron believe there is “real confidence” in the side, thanks to a “good system” put in place by captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting. Knight also highlighted the significant contributions of Indian players to their two victories this season.
“The whole campaign started with Ricky Ponting making it clear that this is his team, and he wants to approach it a certain way,” said Aaron on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show. “This is what happens when someone like Ponting and Iyer work together. Both are IPL-winning leaders. I think this system is working brilliantly for PBKS.”
PBKS defended 244 in their season opener against Gujarat Titans (GT), thanks to crucial performances from Iyer, Priyansh Arya, and Shashank Singh. In their second match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they chased down 172 comfortably with Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Iyer leading the charge.
Indian Core Leading PBKS’ Charge
Knight emphasized how PBKS’ victories have largely been driven by Indian players. “If you look at their lineup, they’ve won two games quite convincingly, and their overseas players haven’t even played a major role yet. The captain looks like a rock—calm, authoritative, and the team reflects his mentality along with Ponting’s coaching.”
PBKS boast a strong overseas lineup, featuring Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Lockie Ferguson, and Azmatullah Omarzai. However, Knight believes their ability to win without significant contributions from these stars is a huge advantage. “You know these overseas players will step up at some point and win games, so if you’re already winning without them, you’re in a great place.”
New Composure in Pressure Situations
Aaron likened PBKS’ approach to that of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), two teams known for their calmness under pressure. “Over the years, PBKS have had an uncanny knack of losing close games from winning positions. But in their first game, they got rid of that problem by holding their nerve against GT.“
He noted that PBKS displayed composure similar to CSK and MI. “They executed their plans and stayed calm under pressure—something Punjab has lacked in previous seasons. This win is a statement victory, signaling a different mindset this year.”
With a well-balanced squad, strong leadership, and growing confidence, PBKS look set to be serious contenders in IPL 2025. The challenge now is to maintain consistency and prove they have truly turned a corner.
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