Ricky Ponting has been constantly monitoring Iyer’s development since they worked together at the Delhi Capitals (DC) from 2019 to 2021. The coach has noticed an improvement in the captain’s game sense and composure under duress since they are back together at PBKS.
In addition to moving Punjab Kings (PBKS) closer to the playoffs, their decisive victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Wednesday night sparked discussions about Shreyas Iyer’s outstanding leadership, with coach Ricky Ponting expressing his gratitude in spades.
In the match at Chepauk, PBKS secured a crucial victory that moved them up to second place in the standings thanks to a commanding 72-run knock from captain Shreyas Iyer, which helped them chase down CSK’s 190. Ponting acknowledged Iyer’s developing leadership style after the game and cited it as a key element in the team’s triumph.
“With experience, he’s much more self-assured today than he was before. In his post-match press conference, Ponting stated, “I think the biggest thing with captaincy, especially in a T20 game where everything around you is happening so fast, is when you’ve done that, have that experience behind you, and believe and trust in your own instincts.” He won the IPL last year as captain, after all.
successfully established a setting that makes everyone very happy: Ricky Ponting
Iyer’s unexpected but successful decision to insert Yuzvendra Chahal against MS Dhoni in the 19th over was noteworthy. After the seasoned batsman-wicketkeeper went for 11, Chahal claimed a hat-trick as a result of the collapse. Iyer successfully anchored the innings in reply. With five fours and four sixes, he concluded with 72 off 41 balls after accelerating from 28 off 23 to a 32-ball half-century.
His ability to play the way he did tonight, in my opinion, demonstrated that he has matured as a player and that he now comprehends the game and its circumstances perhaps more than ever before. I know how much he takes pride in being the guy that comes in at the last second to win games, so you can imagine how dissatisfied he will be with himself if he didn’t hit the winning runs or lead his team over the finish line.
But see, I enjoy dealing with him, and he interacts with every player, who enjoys working with him. Because of the way he interacts with them, whether it’s at practice, during the game, or back at the team hotel, we’ve been able to establish a great atmosphere where everyone seems to be content and the guys are playing some excellent cricket. Overall, we had another strong effort tonight,” Ponting continued.
Notably, Iyer has improved in areas other than leadership. He has improved his technique by extending his stance and aligning his right eye with the ball after being exposed to short-pitched bowling, which has allowed him to score a lot of runs this season against short deliveries.
“I’m not involved in that at all. You’ll observe how his position has changed. He has somewhat loosened his stance. His right eye is moving closer to the ball’s release point. Additionally, he can create more access to the ball when it returns to his body since his shoulders are open. Ponting concluded, “So that’s stuff that he’s worked out himself.”
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