Mullanpur (Punjab) [India]: Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed his admiration for young batter Priyansh Arya, who has already made a significant impact in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season with his fearless and aggressive playing style.
Ponting, who has been with PBKS as the head coach for this IPL season, revealed that he had been closely following Arya before the auction. “I saw plenty of videos going into the auction, and I was very keen to get him in the auction,” Ponting shared in an official IPL video. “I knew what he could do. He has a fearless approach, and that is what you need to have to be a successful batter in T20 cricket,” he added.
The former Australian cricket captain also touched upon the challenges that come with coaching young players who have a naturally attacking mindset. Ponting emphasized that while it’s essential to encourage players to play with aggression, maintaining confidence after a couple of failures is crucial. “It is easy to let guys play that way, but when a couple of failures in a row happen, that’s when coaching becomes important. You have to make sure that you tell them the right things so they don’t go into their shells and continue playing their natural game,” Ponting explained.
Ponting also acknowledged the important role played by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, who has been instrumental in guiding younger players through difficult moments. “Shreyas is a big part of that as well. It’s not only about the coaches. You learn more from senior players, who are out there in the middle helping you through certain situations. He has been great to work with,” Ponting said.
Looking at the squad’s future, Ponting was optimistic about the potential of the young players in the team. “There are a few guys in the squad who will become great IPL players and potentially international players as well,” he noted.
As a coach, Ponting admitted that the job comes with its own set of frustrations, particularly during matches when he can only motivate from the sidelines. “It is a lot harder being a coach. When you are a player, you can do something to influence the outcome. When you are a coach, you are sitting in the dugout, and when the game starts, there is not much you can really do. You can chat with the boys in the timeout. That is what makes coaching a bit more frustrating,” he said.
However, Ponting’s love for coaching stems from the competitive nature of the role. “The main reason I love coaching as much as I do is the competitive nature that comes with it. It’s the closest I can come to playing the game again. That’s why I’m here in my 10th or 12th year as a coach in the IPL. A new team, new atmosphere, a great group of players, and a team that has had a fine start to the tournament. I’m loving every bit of it,” he added.
Despite his vast experience in cricket, Ponting humbly admitted that he continues to learn as a coach. “I am still learning as a coach. I’ve been around for a long time. These players can learn every single day, be it training or the game. There are things you can pick up that can make you a better player for the next game,” he concluded.