How Do Ponting and Iyer Keep Team Spirit High?

Synopsis
As the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 looms, Kyle Jamieson highlights how head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer have fostered a relaxed environment for the Punjab Kings following a tough loss. Their leadership style aims to keep the team focused yet calm, providing a crucial edge in high-pressure situations.
Key Takeaways
- Relaxed Environment: The team's calm atmosphere is crucial post-defeat.
- Leadership: Experience of Ponting and Iyer plays a key role.
- Focus on Positives: Emphasis on past successes can drive future outcomes.
- Fearless Attitude: Encouraging players to approach the game with confidence.
- Consistency is Key: Maintaining their processes is essential for success.
Ahmedabad, June 1 (NationPress) Just before the Punjab Kings take on the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, tall fast bowler Kyle Jamieson noted that head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer have maintained a relaxed and chilled atmosphere within the team, particularly following a significant defeat in Qualifier 1.
Having reached Qualifier 2 after an eight-wicket loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Mullanpur, PBKS now aims to secure a victory over MI at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, paving the way for a showdown with RCB in the championship match on Tuesday.
“It's fairly straightforward (to move past the Qualifier 1 match). As the game approaches, you can scrutinize things a bit more. Given how that game unfolded, it's best to just let it go. We’ve focused on the positives we’ve shown throughout the season and aim to replicate that tonight,” stated Jamieson.
“Both Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer have cultivated a highly relaxed and chilled atmosphere. While there are crucial moments that require focus on our objectives, the philosophy is clear—avoid complicating matters unnecessarily.”
“Their extensive experience in high-stakes matches allows them to appreciate the importance of simplicity,” added Jamieson during a conversation with broadcasters, just before rain delayed the game’s start.
Should Qualifier 2 be rained out, PBKS will advance to the finals due to their standing as table-toppers in IPL 2025. When asked about the nerves among the PBKS players, particularly the uncapped ones, Jamieson remarked, “I hope they play with a fearless mindset; everyone has faced pivotal situations in their careers. It's essential that all players, from 1 to 12, display that fearless attitude and achieve a positive outcome tonight.”
“We aim to keep our approach consistent. The energy and atmosphere during the game are heightened, yet it remains akin to any other match. We strive to adhere to the processes we’ve followed throughout this campaign,” he concluded.