Aakash Chopra predicted that Punjab Kings would release most of their English players following Ricky Ponting’s appointment as head coach.
Aakash Chopra anticipated significant changes in the Punjab Kings (PBKS) squad following the appointment of Ricky Ponting as head coach. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Chopra suggested that Ponting’s arrival could lead to the release of most of the English players in the team, with the former Australian captain likely to bring in several Australian players in the upcoming auction.
PBKS, which finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season, had four English players in their overseas contingent. According to Chopra, Ponting’s influence will likely shift the balance from an England-heavy squad to one with more Australian representation.
“What will you expect from Ricky Ponting? I feel the gathering of English players there will get removed. Everyone will be sent, those bought for 18 crores or 12 crores. You won’t have so many English players now. There will be some change. Now you will have Australian players there,” Chopra commented.
Chopra further noted that players from Ponting’s former team, the Delhi Capitals (DC), could also find their way to PBKS. “The Australian players in the Delhi Capitals camp will be released, and some of them will join Ricky Ponting’s Punjab Kings. I’m not saying he’s biased, but you usually see a bigger Australian contingent wherever Ponting is because he knows them well,” the former India opener added.
Chopra Points Out Punjab Kings’ Struggles in IPL
Chopra also reflected on PBKS’s persistent struggles with leadership changes. Despite multiple coaching and captaincy shifts, the team has yet to claim an IPL title. “Change is the only constant, but the only thing that hasn’t changed is their fortunes. They have reached the playoffs and the final but have never lifted the trophy,” added the commentator.
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Chopra also partially blamed the frequent leadership changes for this consequence, “Have they not won because they make too many changes, or are they forced to make changes because they haven’t won? It’s a chicken and egg situation. Ricky Ponting is their 11th coach,” Chopra observed.
Last Updated on September 24, 2024