IPL 2026: Ponting confident in stronger PBKS squad ahead of GT clash

Ahead of their IPL 2026 opener against Gujarat Titans, PBKS coach Ricky Ponting says the team must 'start all over again' despite a runners-up finish last year, highlighting the squad's improved depth and natural growth for the new season.

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season opener against the Gujarat Titans (GT), the Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting said that the team has to start all over again after a memorable runners-up finish last year and highlighted the depth and natural growth within the squad since the past season.

PBKS are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the 2022 champions GT at their home ground, New International Stadium, New Chandigarh, on March 31.

Starting Afresh After Last Year's Success

Speaking about the campaign opener, Ponting expressed confidence in a stronger, more evolved squad heading into the new season. Ponting emphasised that while last season's top-of-the-table finish was encouraging, the team is approaching the new campaign with a fresh mindset. "It is nice to reflect on what was a great season for the franchise, but that does not mean anything going into a new year. It is nil-nil now for everybody. We have got to start that all over again," he said.

Improved Squad Depth a Major Strength

The coach also pointed to improved squad depth and flexibility as a major strength this season, with multiple options available across roles. "We have got the players that we want in certain roles, but we have also got a back-up player for most of those players right the way down to our 25th player. I just think overall, we should be stronger," the head coach said.

He further added, "I just think there is natural growth in a lot of our players, and if we can bring the best out of them over the next two months, starting tomorrow, there is no reason why our performances cannot be better than last year."

Adapting to Conditions Key for Team Selection

With the season opener set to be played on a surface expected to favour batting, Ponting acknowledged the importance of adapting quickly to conditions while finalising the playing XI. He said, "We have got 25 players to pick from, with a nice balance of overseas players and Indian talent. First and foremost, we have to understand the conditions before we pick the team. It has just started raining now, so all the covers have gone down outside, so we haven't actually seen the playing surface for the last couple of days."

"So hopefully before the end of the session tonight, we can have a really good look at the wicket that we're going to use tomorrow, and then we can start thinking about different combinations and impact players and what we might want to do with our line-up," he further added.

'A Better Squad Than We Had Last Year'

As Punjab Kings prepare to take the field, Ponting expressed his excitement to get the ball rolling, while also emphasising his belief in this new squad. "We need to start well tomorrow, we need to play well at our home ground, but I honestly feel that we have got a better squad than we had last year. Our younger players are more experienced now and the overseas players that we have brought in this year are better than the squad that we had last year. So overall, I am really excited to get the season underway," he concluded.

Punjab Kings will play their first match of the season against the Gujarat Titans at the New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh on March 31 at 7:30 PM IST. (ANI)

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