Punjab Kings coach Ricky Ponting has praised Shreyas Iyer’s development as a captain, saying that his understanding of sports situations is now much better than ever. Iyer and Ponting have re -met Punjab Kings this season. The two worked together as captain and coach at Delhi Capital, where they led the franchise in the playoffs from 2019 to 2021, and even in the final in 2020. “He is now much more confident of himself, and it comes with experience,” Ponting said after Chennai Super Kings after the PBKS four-wicket victory.
“He is now a more mature player. I think he understands sports and sports conditions that are probably better than ever.” Iyer played an important role in the last season in the Kolkata Knight Riders’ title winning campaign, but was released before the mega auction. Punjab Kings left quickly, securing it for Rs 26.75 crore.
“He won the IPL as a captain last year, so when you have done that and you have found that experience behind you and you believe in your own tendency, I think it’s the biggest thing with captaincy, especially in T20 games when everything around you is happening so fast.
“You know, four and sixes are flying everywhere. His ability to remain calm on the field, although he could not calm down tonight when we were in a few overs through overs, but just their maturity, I think, and this experience,” Ponting said.
With the second place sitting on the PBKS points table, Iyer’s influence has become clear. He has not only shown sharp strategic leadership, but is also enjoying a strong weather with the bat.
“I like to work with him, he talks with all the players, all the players like to work with him. The way he communicates with him, whether he is during the game or in practice or back to the team hotel … we have really managed to create a good atmosphere that everyone seems to be really happy.” Once unsafe against the short ball, Iyer has made a remarkable technical adjustment that has helped him to overcome his long -standing weakness.
“I have nothing to do with this. You will see how his stance has developed. He has opened his stand slightly. He is getting his right eye more for the release point of the ball.
“And with the open of his shoulders, he is able to make some more access to the ball when the ball comes back to his body. So the stuff is that he is working himself.
“We are still doing a lot of work on it every day. There are very few things that he needs to do because it is a harsh trick that he has done. He is to make sure that everything is in the right position and all his movements are really sinking well.”
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