Punjab Kings (PBKS) have made a strong start in IPL 2025, winning two matches without significant contributions from their overseas players. Former England cricketer Nick Knight and ex-India pacer Varun Aaron believe this reflects “real confidence” in the team, crediting the “good system” created by captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting.
Aaron highlighted how Ponting set the tone early by asserting his leadership style. “He made it clear that he didn’t want outside interference,” Aaron said on Media’s Time Out show. He added that the combination of Ponting and Iyer—both IPL-winning leaders—has been key to PBKS’ strong start.
In their first game, PBKS defended 244 against Gujarat Titans (GT), thanks to strong performances from Iyer, Priyansh Arya, and Shashank Singh. In their second match, they chased down 172 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Iyer stepping up again. Knight was particularly impressed with how Indian players have led the charge, noting that PBKS “won comprehensively” against LSG without relying on their overseas stars.
PBKS have a formidable overseas contingent, including Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Lockie Ferguson, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Knight emphasized that their contributions will come later in the tournament, making these early wins even more valuable.
Aaron also compared PBKS’ composure to successful teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians, noting their ability to hold their nerve under pressure. He pointed out that PBKS previously had a habit of losing close games but have now shown resilience, especially in their first win against GT. He called their start a “statement,” suggesting PBKS could be serious contenders this season.
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