IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting accused of ignoring Indian players

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has openly criticised Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting for his team selection choices. 

Tiwary has expressed concerns that Ponting is overlooking talented Indian players in favour of underperforming overseas counterparts, particularly singling out Glenn Maxwell. 

Selection Controversy

In a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Tiwary anticipated that Indian batsman Nehal Wadhera, known for his impressive form from previous seasons with Punjab and Mumbai Indians, would be placed at number four in the batting order. However, Ponting opted to send  Maxwell in that position, who struggled by scoring just seven runs from eight balls.

Strategic Oversight

Tiwary further questioned the decision-making as the innings approached its climax with 20 balls remaining. He argued that Shashank Singh, a recognised finisher, should have been favoured to help the team achieve a target exceeding 200. 

Instead, the team elevated Marco Jansen to number five, followed by Josh Inglis, a strategy that has left many puzzled and suggested an apparent bias towards Australian players.

Warning to the Coach

Tiwary cautioned Ponting that persisting with such selection approaches could jeopardise PBKS's campaign to win the IPL title this season. 

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"Punjab’s prospects of winning the IPL appear bleak with this tactic. By overlooking informed Indian batsmen Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh, and electing to trust overseas players who failed to deliver, it indicates a lack of faith in the local talent. Sustaining this method, they may find the trophy slipping away, even if they secure a top-two finish," he wrote on X.

With their recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders resulting in a draw, Punjab Kings currently stand fourth on the league table, having registered five wins and three losses in a total of nine games.