Punjab Kings’ head coach Ricky Ponting has opened up about why he was keen on securing three key Indian players—Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal—during the IPL 2025 auction.
Shreyas Iyer was bought for a staggering Rs 26.75 crore, while Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal each cost the franchise Rs 18 crore. Ponting revealed that these three players were his top priorities, as he wanted to bring in a strong leader and retain crucial talent.
Speaking on a podcast, Ponting explained that Arshdeep had been with Punjab Kings for years, making him an important part of the squad. He also wanted a captain he had previously worked with and who had a proven track record of success, which is why they went after Shreyas Iyer. Additionally, securing Chahal was crucial to strengthening the bowling attack.
Ricky Ponting further shared that while adjustments were made during the auction to build a well-balanced squad, these three players were non-negotiable for him. His goal was to reshape the team, surround himself with the right people, and create a strong foundation for Punjab Kings moving forward.
