Punjab Kings' Remarkable Comeback: Ricky Ponting Applauds Team Spirit

In a thrilling match, Punjab Kings showcased their resilience against Sunrisers Hyderabad, with coach Ricky Ponting praising the team's fighting spirit. Key performances from Shashank Singh, who took crucial wickets, and strong batting contributions from Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Shreyas Iyer led to a comfortable victory. Ponting emphasized the importance of continuous improvement as the team prepares for their next challenge against Mumbai Indians. Discover how the Kings turned a challenging start into a triumphant win.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 12, 2026, 17:19 IST

Victory Against Sunrisers Hyderabad

After securing a victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting praised his team's resilience, particularly highlighting the impactful decision to introduce all-rounder Shashank Singh into the bowling lineup. Singh's performance was pivotal as he dismissed both Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, putting the Men in Orange on the defensive.

During the match at Mullanpur, SRH's 'Travi-Shek' duo had initially scored 120 runs in just eight overs. However, it was Shashank Singh's over that turned the tide, as he took both wickets in the ninth over. Following this, SRH could only manage 99 runs for the remainder of their innings. Strong contributions from Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and captain Shreyas Iyer ensured that the target was comfortably chased down with six wickets remaining.

Ponting Commends Team's Resilience

Ponting expressed his admiration for the team's fighting spirit after their impressive comeback, emphasizing their 'never-say-die' attitude. In the 'Dressing Room Diaries' post-match, he commended the players for their determination, stating, "What we discuss constantly is how tough we will be to defeat. Even when we are behind, we will find a way to battle back into the game. We transformed what seemed like a challenging day into a positive outcome."

Praise for Leadership and Bowling Strategy

The head coach also acknowledged captain Shreyas Iyer's strategic decision-making and the bowlers' tenacity. He remarked, "It was a courageous choice by the skipper to bring Shashank into the attack, reducing the pace and taking some air out of the game. I can hardly fault the bowlers for their efforts throughout the match. That was a significant fightback."

Batting Performance Matches Bowling Efforts

The batting lineup of Punjab Kings matched the bowlers' efforts with a commanding performance. Both openers, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, scored half-centuries, while Shreyas Iyer contributed an unbeaten 69 runs. Ponting praised the opening pair, stating, "Watching Prabh and Priyansh take charge of the game is exhilarating. They execute their roles with such finesse. Priyansh faced the left-arm off-spinner first ball, which was an ideal matchup for him, while Prabh took on Unadkat in the second over. We ended the powerplay with 93 runs, showcasing an incredible opening partnership."

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

In conclusion, Ponting stressed that despite the significance of the win, the team is committed to refining specific areas and will not become complacent as they prepare for future matches. The Punjab Kings are set to face the Mumbai Indians on April 16 at the Wankhede Stadium.