New Delhi, April 26 — Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting lavished praise on skipper Shreyas Iyer after the team scripted IPL history with a record-breaking chase of 265 runs against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, April 26. Ponting, who staked his reputation on Iyer during the auction, said his belief in the captain's finishing ability has been vindicated time and again. The victory, sealed with seven balls to spare, is now the highest successful run chase in IPL history.

Ponting's Pre-Match Promise to Iyer

In a video released by IPL on X, Ponting revealed a pivotal dressing-room moment that underlined his trust in his captain. Around the 11th-12th over mark, Ponting pulled Iyer aside and delivered a simple but powerful message.

"I just grabbed hold of him and said, if you're in at the end, we'll win the game. And he did it again," said Ponting. The Australian legend added, "Because one thing I know is that if he's in at the end in a run chase, we're not going to lose too many games."

Ponting also explained why he pushed aggressively to acquire Iyer at the IPL auction. "He's a great person. And that's the reason that I went as hard as I did in the auction. I knew he was going to be a great leader and for us to rebuild this team and rebuild this franchise," he stated.

Iyer's Match-Winning Knock Anchors Record Chase

Chasing a daunting target of 265, PBKS were powered early by an explosive opening stand between Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. When the platform was set, Iyer walked in and played a composed, unbeaten 71 off just 36 balls to guide the team home with authority.

The innings was a masterclass in calculated aggression — Iyer absorbed pressure in the middle overs and shifted gears at precisely the right moment, ensuring PBKS never lost their grip on the chase. It was a knock that reflected the temperament Ponting had always believed Iyer possessed.

Prabhsimran-Priyansh Partnership Draws Ponting's Admiration

Ponting was equally effusive about the opening combination of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, calling their partnership "pretty amazing." He highlighted how the left-hand and right-hand combination allows the pair to target different zones of the ground and keep bowlers under constant pressure.

"They complement each other really well. Left hand, right hand. Both hit different parts of the ground," said Ponting. The chemistry between the two openers has been one of the defining features of PBKS's batting approach this season.

Ponting Flags Bowling and Fielding Concerns Despite Landmark Win

Despite the euphoria of the historic chase, Ponting remained characteristically measured. He acknowledged that conceding 264 runs in the first innings exposed gaps in PBKS's bowling and fielding units that must be addressed before the next fixture.

"It's satisfying that you've got the highest run chase, but to have the highest run chase, you've also got to concede a lot of runs. So we've got some work to do with our bowling and our fielding, and we'll make sure we get that right before the next game," he said candidly.

This self-critical assessment from Ponting reflects the mindset of a coach who refuses to let a big win mask structural vulnerabilities — a hallmark of elite coaching philosophy.

Ponting Credits Coaching Bond With Young Prabhsimran

One of the most heartening subplots of PBKS's season has been the emergence of Prabhsimran Singh as a consistent match-winner. Ponting expressed genuine satisfaction at hearing that his coaching inputs are resonating with the young opener.

"When you become a coach, and you work with younger-type players, it's nice to hear that he's saying that I'm having some sort of influence on the way he's playing," said Ponting. He added, "At the end of the day, I'm a teacher. I'm trying to teach him how to play the game better and how to bat better. Thankfully, he's listening and getting the job done."

This PBKS victory is not merely a statistical milestone — it signals the emergence of a cohesive team identity built around aggressive batting, strong leadership, and a culture of belief. With the IPL 2025 season entering its crucial phase, all eyes will be on whether Shreyas Iyer and Ponting can sustain this momentum and push Punjab Kings into playoff contention for the first time in years.