IPL 2025, PBKS vs KKR: Ricky Ponting Reveals Injury Scare as Yuzvendra Chahal’s Four-Wicket Haul Seals Memorable Win for Punjab Kings
Yuzvendra Chahal Overcomes Injury to Orchestrate Historic PBKS Win Over KKR
Shreyas Iyer and Punjab Kings pulled off a miracle as they defended the lowest-ever total in IPL history, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 16 runs in New Chandigarh on Tuesday. After being bundled out for just 111 runs, few gave Punjab a chance, but the hosts stunned everyone with one of the most memorable comebacks in the league’s history.
Yuzvendra Chahal emerged as the game-changer, claiming four crucial wickets to derail KKR’s chase. Speaking after the game, Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting revealed that Chahal was not fully fit for the clash, having picked up a shoulder injury in their previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Ponting shared his pre-match conversation with Chahal, praising the leg-spinner’s confidence and determination. “What about Chahal tonight? How good a spell of bowling was that! He actually had a fitness test before the game today… I looked him in the eye and said, ‘Mate, are you okay?’ He said, ‘Coach, I am 100 percent right, let me out there,’” Ponting told the host broadcaster.
Introduced in the seventh over with KKR at a strong 62/2, Chahal quickly turned the tide by dismissing Ajinkya Rahane, followed by Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh. This spell not only flipped the match in Punjab’s favour but also silenced critics who had recently questioned Chahal’s form and defensive bowling approach.
‘Best win I have had in the IPL’
After Marco Jansen sealed the match by dismissing Andre Russell, Ricky Ponting’s raw emotions told the story. The Punjab Kings head coach was seen celebrating wildly in the dugout, completely pumped up as he joined the rest of the support staff and players in jubilant scenes.
Despite being bundled out for a modest 111 after electing to bat — with Harshit Rana picking up three wickets for KKR — Punjab pulled off an unbelievable comeback to win by 16 runs. Speaking after the match, Ponting didn’t hold back in calling this the most special win of his IPL coaching career.
“The heart rate is still up there. I’m 50 years old now and don’t need more games like these. Defending 112, with just 16 runs to spare… we actually told the guys at the halfway mark that these low chases can sometimes be the toughest,” said Ponting.
“Wins like these are the sweetest. I’ve coached a lot of games in the IPL, but this might just be the best win I’ve ever had,” Ponting concluded.