The Punjab Kings, guided by head coach Ricky Ponting, have made significant strides in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by focusing on a robust Indian player base, with Shreyas Iyer as the key figure in their auction strategy. After a strong performance last season, where they reached the finals, the team has kicked off this season unbeaten in their first two matches. Ponting highlighted the importance of retaining only two players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, which allowed him to select players that fit his vision. He emphasized the need for high-quality Indian players, bringing in talents like Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal to complement Iyer's leadership. Looking ahead, Ponting acknowledged the challenges of maintaining momentum, especially with an upcoming high-scoring match at Eden Gardens.