'Top-two is half job done' - The message driving Punjab Kings

Before their critical face-off with Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer delivered a message that set the tone for the squad. “Getting into the playoffs is just part of the mission—securing a top-two spot is just halfway,” revealed teammate Shashank Singh from their pre-match team huddle. That mindset bore fruit as PBKS edged past MI in Jaipur to lock down a place in Qualifier 1. Head coach Ricky Ponting echoed this philosophy post-match. “It’s a great moment, but let’s not kid ourselves—we haven’t won anything yet,” he said. “From the moment we made the playoffs, I’ve been telling the boys that our goal is the top two. We’ve reached it, but the real job begins now. It’s been an enjoyable ten weeks, but we’ve got more work ahead.” For a franchise returning to the playoffs after 11 long years, this calm, focused mentality may seem surprising. But it’s also a sign of how confident and clear-headed this new PBKS setup has become. “We’ll celebrate fully on June 3rd, hopefully past midnight,” Shashank added. “That’s when I’ll finally say we’ve made it to the top.” Still, the significance of the moment isn’t lost on Shashank, whose late-innings composure has been a pillar of PBKS’s campaign. “It’s surreal. It feels deeply satisfying,” he said. “We didn’t just hope—we manifested this. Back when the auctions ended, we started talking in our WhatsApp group about winning the title this year. The top-two finish was our first goal, and we achieved that.” He credits the team’s transformation to collective belief, intense preparation, and a culture shift led by management. “We didn’t just dream—we believed and put in the work. This result is thanks to the entire support structure—from coaches to logistics, media staff, everyone.” Much of the cultural reset is credited to Iyer and Ponting—reuniting after a successful stint with Delhi Capitals. “Shreyas is a close friend, but playing under him has been a new experience. He gives everyone freedom and respect—not just the squad, but everyone involved with PBKS,” said Shashank. Ponting’s leadership has had a similarly deep impact. “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had, alongside Brian Lara. Ricky’s not just about tactics—he changed how we think and how we treat each other. From the biggest names to the bus driver, everyone gets the same respect. That’s not easy, but he built it from day one.” Ponting, in turn, admitted he was adamant about bringing Shreyas into the fold. “It was no secret how much I valued him—we worked well in Delhi, even made a final. He’s not just a skilled cricketer, he’s a quality human being. That’s who you want when you’re changing a team’s identity.” According to Ponting, Shreyas brings the rare ability to read the room—supporting players when needed and holding them accountable when required. “He knows when to lift a player and when to challenge them. That’s true leadership.”