IPL 2026: PBKS coach Ricky Ponting hails Three Players after win over Mumbai Indians

Punjab Kings' head coach Ricky Ponting praised his team's sharp tactics and standout performances after a commanding 7-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, sealing the chase with 21 balls remaining. In the post-match 'Dressing Room Diaries,' he spotlighted Arshdeep Singh's game-changing opening burst and Prabhsimran Singh's composed innings as the driving forces behind the triumph.

Ponting brushed aside suggestions of a dip in form for spearhead pacer Arshdeep, crediting the left-arm quick's dedication for his instant influence.

"We talk about people setting the tone; the way Arsh set the tone in the first over, swung the ball around, and put them on the back foot was exceptional," Ponting said.

"Arsh, I know you've been going through what you consider a rough patch but the rest of us don't think so. The work you put in over the last couple of days to be able to do this straight away tonight was the reward. To be on the mark from the first ball, get two early wickets, and then come back at the end to do what you normally do... it's a credit to your work," he added.

In pursuit of a tough target, Ponting commended the PBKS batters for their poise, singling out Prabhsimran Singh's unbeaten 80 off 39 balls as a masterclass in patience and precision-he anchored the innings from start to finish.

"The batting, I'm not starting to run out of appreciation for what we're doing, but dear, we're batting well," Ponting remarked.

"Prabh, I need to praise you because you didn't get a lot of strike during the Powerplay. Most of your hard work had to be done outside of it, but you were so skillful, so calm, and so calculating. You're batting as well as I've ever seen you bat," he continued.

Though Mumbai Indians threatened a huge score, Ponting lauded the bowlers' fightback, especially in the middle phase, with Shashank Singh's overs proving decisive in reining in the total.

"Well done to the bowling group. The ability to claw it back was key. It felt like they might get a few more than 200, but Shanky's (Shashank) couple of overs changed the momentum again."

With four victories and nine points, Punjab Kings top the IPL table. Ponting tempered the excitement, urging sustained effort amid the long season.

"We know that if we play somewhere near our best, we're going to keep winning lots of games of cricket," Ponting concluded. "We should be proud of where we are right now, but that doesn't mean we don't go to bed tonight thinking about how we can get better again tomorrow."

PBKS face Lucknow Super Giants next on April 19 at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh.