Her presence has added another dimension to the IPL. Bollywood actress Preity Zinta has been present at almost all the team's matches to motivate the players. In the last few seasons, Punjab Kings have failed to meet the expectations of the fans.
However, this time under the coaching of Ricky Ponting, this team has maintained consistency from the beginning. They have also got the result. After a long 11 years at the top of the points table, Preity Zinta's Punjab Kings have reached the qualifiers of the Indian Premier League. Punjab Kings, who defeated Mumbai Indians by 7 wickets on Monday, have 19 points from 14 matches.
Punjab Kings will get two chances to play in the IPL finals after rising to number one in the points table. Despite reaching the playoffs after many years, the team's Australian coach is not overjoyed.
Ponting told the media after the match that nothing has been achieved yet, "I'm really happy with this team. There was a lot of hard work behind this achievement (the play-offs). I think it's a big achievement; but if you look back, getting to the play-offs is nothing. When we got to the qualifiers, I told the players we hadn't achieved anything. My goal was to be in the top two, and that has been achieved."
Ponting and Shreyas Iyer formed a bond while playing for Delhi Capitals. The pair re-formed when they came to Punjab. Shreyas went to Kolkata Knight Riders in between. He also led that team to win the IPL. But KKR did not keep him anymore.
Shreyas praised the coach after the match, saying, "Ponting gives me the freedom to make my own decisions on the field. Which I like. These things have helped our team. Everything is going in the right direction."
