IPL 2026: PBKS Coach Ponting Celebrates Team's Resilience After Victory Over SRH
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Key Takeaways
New Chandigarh, April 12 (NationPress) Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting has praised his team's 'never-say-die' spirit, stating that they transformed what seemed like a disastrous scenario into a remarkable victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Despite a challenging start where the bowlers allowed over 100 runs in the first eight overs, PBKS rallied impressively to limit SRH to 219/6 before completing the chase comfortably with six wickets remaining.
"Our ongoing discussion within the team revolves around how difficult we will make it for others to defeat us. Even when we’re behind, we’ll relentlessly fight until we turn the game around. We changed what appeared to be a dire situation into a highly positive outcome," Ponting remarked during the franchise's 'Dressing Room Diaries' episode.
He also commended the strategic risk taken by captain Shreyas Iyer to call upon part-timer Shashank Singh, which played a crucial role in PBKS's comeback. "It was a bold move by the captain to introduce Shashank into the bowling attack, easing the pace and attempting to disrupt the rhythm. I can hardly fault anything we executed for the remainder of the match. That was a serious comeback," noted Ponting.
The foundation of PBKS's successful chase was laid by a stellar 93-run power-play, with Ponting commending the opening duo of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh for their daring approach against the new ball.
"Watching Prab and Priyansh approach the game with such aggression is incredibly fulfilling. They do it so gracefully. Considering the matchups, Priyansh facing the first ball against a left-arm spinner is precisely the matchup he thrives in.
“Meanwhile, Prabh asserting himself against Unadkat with the new ball in the second over... we finished the powerplay with 93 runs. That was an extraordinary opening partnership," he added. PBKS is set to face the five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 16.