Xavier Bartlett Praises Leadership as Punjab Kings Remain Unbeaten in IPL 2026

Xavier Bartlett of Punjab Kings has lauded the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting during their unbeaten run in IPL 2026. With five wins and one no-result, the team has made history by remaining unbeaten in their first six matches. Bartlett highlights the contributions of key players and the dynamic opening partnership, while also focusing on his personal growth as a bowler. As he aims for a future in Test cricket, Bartlett reflects on the invaluable lessons learned from his teammates and the legendary Ponting. Read on to discover more about his journey and aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 18:27 IST

Unbeaten Streak of Punjab Kings

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett have commended the leadership of skipper Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting during their impressive unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. They credited the duo for fostering an environment that has allowed the franchise to thrive, from the opening partnership of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya to a robust pace attack led by Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen. Bartlett shared his thoughts amid PBKS's unbeaten campaign, which includes five victories and one match that ended without a result, bringing their total to 11 points. As they prepare for their upcoming match against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 25, PBKS has made history as the first IPL team to remain unbeaten in their first six matches of the season.

Bartlett's Impressive Performance

In the current season, Bartlett has claimed four wickets across six matches, maintaining an average of 57 and an economy rate of 10.52, with his best performance being 2/9 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Reflecting on the team's success, he stated, "It has been a great experience so far. Starting the tournament this way is fantastic, and it’s a testament to how Ricky and Shreyas have created a conducive environment for us to excel. We hope to keep this momentum going in the upcoming games."

Learning from Elite Bowlers

Bartlett, who has shown great potential in his 26 white-ball matches for Australia, including five ODIs and 21 T20Is, has gained valuable insights from seasoned bowlers Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh. He noted, "They are both world-class bowlers with years of experience. Observing Arshdeep's intense training and Marco's effective use of pace changes in subcontinental conditions has been enlightening. I aim to absorb as much knowledge from them as possible, especially regarding their experiences in this region."

Appreciation for Teammates and Coach

Bartlett is surrounded by fellow Australians, including Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, and Ben Dwarshius, as well as the legendary Ricky Ponting. He expressed excitement over Connolly's performance, who has amassed 223 runs in five innings at an average of 55.75 and a strike rate of 163.97, including three fifties. Bartlett highlighted Connolly's remarkable innings against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he turned a struggling start into a stunning 87 off 46 balls, showcasing his ability to accelerate when needed.

Working with Ricky Ponting

Bartlett is enjoying his time under the guidance of Ponting, a former Australian captain known for his winning mentality. He remarked, "Ricky brings a wealth of experience and instills confidence in us to improve and play a strong brand of cricket. I look forward to repaying him by helping the team secure our first IPL title this season."

Dynamic Opening Partnership

The PBKS opening duo of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya has been exceptional this season, each scoring 211 runs in five innings. Their impressive performances have provided PBKS with explosive starts, and Bartlett admires their left-right combination, stating, "They have been phenomenal, not just this season but also last year. Their ability to complement each other makes them a formidable pair, and I hope they continue to deliver strong performances in the powerplay, which is crucial in the IPL."

Focus on Personal Development

On a personal note, Bartlett is concentrating on enhancing his defensive bowling skills while also contributing with the bat. He recalled a recent cameo of 11* against the Gujarat Titans (GT), where he played a crucial role in a challenging chase. With the senior pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc aging, Bartlett is eager to step up and fill their shoes, learning from their expertise. He stated, "These players are among the best Australia has ever produced, and I aim to add new dimensions to my game while remaining fit and performing well."

Aiming for Test Cricket

Bartlett's aspiration to play Test cricket for Australia remains strong. In his 32 first-class matches for Queensland, he has taken 111 wickets at an average of 25.77. He concluded, "Playing Test cricket and earning the Baggy Green is a lifelong dream. With so many talented bowlers in Australia, I must stay focused, fit, and consistently perform to make that dream a reality."