'You won't have so many English players there now' - Aakash Chopra on Ricky Ponting as Punjab Kings' new head coach

Legendary Australia skipper Ricky Ponting was recently appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on the potential changes this might bring to the franchise.

Punjab Kings, who finished ninth in IPL 2024, have been struggling to find their footing in the league despite numerous changes in leadership and strategy. With Ponting at the helm, expectations are high for a turnaround in the team's fortunes. Chopra predicted that the team might witness a significant shift in the composition. 

"What will you expect from Ricky Ponting? Firstly, I feel the gathering of English players there will be removed. Everyone will be sent, those bought for 18 crores or 12 crores. You won't have so many English players there now. Now there will be some change there. Now you will have Australian players there," he said on his YouTube channel.

Also Read: 'My availability was becoming an issue' - Ricky Ponting reveals reason behind moving on with Delhi Capitals

The former India opener also mentioned that there are chances that Australians who were in Delhi Capital's camp might be next seen working under Ponting in the Punjab-based franchise. 

"You will find that the Australian players in the Delhi Capitals camp will be released and some of them will become a part of Ricky Ponting's Punjab Kings. I am not saying he is biased but wherever you see Ricky, you find a slightly bigger Australian contingent there because he knows them well," Chopra added.

They have had 16 captains and the 17th one will be made this year: Aakash Chopra

With former India opener Shikhar Dhawan announcing his retirement, PBKS will be searching for their 17th captain in the upcoming season. 

"One more thing will change, that is the number of captains that have been made. They have had 16 captains and the 17th one will be made this year. It means the captain has been changed in almost every season. Now since Shikhar Dhawan has taken retirement, they will search for a new captain," Chopra further added.

The commentator also touched upon the team's struggles. PBKS have failed to qualify for the playoffs since 2014 and Ponting will be their third head coach in four seasons

"Change is the only constant but the only thing that hasn't changed is their fortunes. They have reached the playoffs and the final but have never lifted the trophy. Have they not won the trophy because they make so many changes or they are forced to make changes because they have not won the trophy - it's the chicken and egg situation. Ricky Ponting is their 11th coach," he observed.