IPL 2025
The Punjab Kings head coach highlighted how Mayank Yadav’s natural lengths enhanced Inglis’s pull shots, contributing to a fast start for the team © BCCI/IPL
Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the Punjab Kings, commended skipper Shreyas Iyer for choosing to move Josh Inglis to one-down. This strategic shift was intended to tackle Mayank Yadav’s bowling lengths and it paid off, as Inglis and Prabhsimran provided a dynamic start, despite Arya’s early departure. The pair amassed a 48-run partnership in just 22 balls.
“The captain thought it was a smart choice to send Inglis in after an early wicket,” Ponting explained. “With Mayank typically bowling shorter lengths, which suits Inglis’s strengths, the decision was spot on. His pull shots were impressive from the get-go.”
“This strategy also allowed us to keep Iyer, Wadera, and Shashank available for the middle overs, which we believed was crucial for our success tonight. It likely caught LSG off guard, and we benefited from it,” added Ponting.
Ponting acknowledged that while the Punjab Kings secured a comfortable 37-run victory, they inadvertently allowed LSG to accumulate runs towards the end, which might affect their Net Run Rate. He noted that while their bowling was excellent early on, it faltered in the final overs.
“Our focus going forward is on winning our home games. Dharamsala should be a tough venue for visiting teams, and with a solid start of the season there, we want to continue that momentum. We’re looking forward to our next match against Delhi,” Ponting concluded.
© Cricbuzz
