In a striking revelation, Adam Gilchrist, the former captain of the Punjab Kings (PBKS), has opened up about the challenges the franchise has faced since its inception in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gilchrist, who led the team from 2011 to 2013, labeled the management under his tenure as "erratic" and likened their actions to a "handbrake" for the team's progress.
Since the IPL's start in 2008, only two teams have participated in every season without securing a title: the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings. While RCB has reached the finals three times, PBKS has only made it to the title match once. This lack of achievement raises questions about the management strategies that have stifled the team's potential.
Gilchrist, who previously led the Deccan Chargers to an IPL championship in 2009, expressed that the same ownership remains in place during his time with PBKS, describing it as "somewhat erratic at times." This inconsistency, he argues, might have been a long-standing barrier to success for the franchise. "There’s still the same ownership when I was the captain of that particular franchise, and it was somewhat erratic at times, and that might be the handbrake for them for a long while," he shared on the YouTube show Club Prairie Fire.
However, there may be a silver lining for PBKS fans as the new leadership duo was introduced for the 2025 season. Gilchrist is optimistic about the combination of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting, who have collaborated well in the past. He believes their partnership could revive the franchise. "I think the combination of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer will inspire that franchise. They have worked well together previously, and that’s going to be the cohesive gel to bring their ownership together. But I think Ricky will settle the ship,” he added.
Shreyas Iyer's credentials as a captain are impressive. After leading the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in the last season of IPL, Iyer's role seemed pivotal for PBKS following Shikhar Dhawan's retirement. Notably, PBKS acquired Iyer for ₹26.75 crore (approximately $3.1 million), marking him as the second-most expensive player in auction history.
Gilchrist has also tipped Iyer to claim the Orange Cap in the upcoming season. The coveted cap is awarded to the player with the most runs throughout the tournament, and Gilchrist has high hopes for Iyer. “Shreyas Iyer is going to be my Orange Cap wearer by the end of it. He is going to bat at number three. He has been talking about it and he is shifting up the order and taking on the leadership role for them,” he remarked, stressing the importance of Iyer's batting position in contributing to his success.
The excitement builds as PBKS prepares for their opening match against the Gujarat Titans on March 25, 2025, in Ahmedabad. Fans are eager to see how the new structure under Iyer and Ponting unfolds, hoping to witness a transformed team capable of breaking their title drought.
With Gilchrist’s insights painting a picture of both past struggles and potential future successes, the narrative surrounding the Punjab Kings adds an interesting layer to the upcoming IPL season. The team's trajectory hinges not just on individual performances but also on how well the new management can steer PBKS to its long-awaited glory.
