A fresh start and a bold ambition. With Ricky Ponting taking charge as head coach and Shreyas Iyer leading the squad, Punjab Kings are not just chasing their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title—they’re aiming to be the best version of themselves.
A New Era Under Ricky Ponting
Punjab Kings have had their fair share of ups and downs. Since their inception, the franchise has struggled to find consistency, often falling short of expectations. But with Ponting at the helm, there’s a newfound sense of direction.
“The overall vision for this team is to win the IPL,” Ponting said, making his intentions clear from day one. “I told the guys on the very first day when I joined the camp in Dharamshala that we were going to create and become the greatest Punjab Kings team that’s played.”
His words resonate with a team eager for change. Punjab Kings have been through multiple leadership shifts and squad overhauls, but Ponting’s pedigree as a leader—both as a player and coach—brings fresh hope.
Shreyas Iyer Takes Charge
Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as captain adds another layer to Punjab’s ambitious project. The 29-year-old led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title last season, proving his ability to manage high-pressure situations.
A composed batsman and an astute tactician, Iyer’s leadership will be crucial. Punjab Kings have had a history of struggling with captaincy choices, frequently changing skippers over the years. Stability under Iyer could be the missing piece in their puzzle.
One major question, though, is how quickly Iyer can adapt to his new teammates. Chemistry in the squad will be key.
Strengths and Challenges
Every team has its strengths, but success often comes down to fixing weaknesses. For Punjab Kings, a balanced squad is both a blessing and a challenge.
- Batting Firepower: With the likes of Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and Shikhar Dhawan, their batting lineup has the potential to post massive totals.
- Bowling Depth: Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh provide solid pace options, while the spin department, led by Rahul Chahar, adds variety.
- Consistency Concerns: Punjab Kings have often shown promise but struggled with maintaining momentum through an entire season.
Ponting is aware that success won’t come overnight. “That’s the journey that we’re on and that doesn’t happen overnight. You’ve got to create that,” he emphasized.
Punjab Kings’ Performance Over the Years
While Punjab Kings have had individual brilliance in past seasons, their overall performance has been inconsistent. Here’s a quick look at how they’ve fared in the last five IPL seasons:
| Year | Final Position |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 6th |
| 2020 | 6th |
| 2021 | 6th |
| 2022 | 6th |
| 2023 | 8th |
Clearly, breaking into the top four has been a major hurdle. But with a new setup in place, Punjab Kings are determined to change that trend.
The Road Ahead
Winning the IPL is no small task. The competition is fierce, and every franchise has strengthened its squad. Punjab Kings will need to click as a unit, stay injury-free, and find the right balance between aggression and composure.
Ponting and Iyer have already set the tone. Now, it’s up to the players to deliver.
![gain Rise in Gold Rate in India After Falling Rs 21,200/24K; Will Gold Price Today Jump or Drop on 28 March? By Harshika Yadav Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:55 [IST] preference Add as a preferred source on Google Gold rates in India witnessed a modest recovery on March 27, 2026, after a sharp fall in the previous session, indicating a cautious stabilisation in the bullion market. The yellow metal had dropped by Rs 212 per gram (or Rs 21,200 per 100 grams) of 24 Karat (24K) earlier, but managed to regain some ground. Gold Price Updates as US-Iran Tensions Ease; Pakistan, Turkiye & Egypt Step Up Mediation Efforts The rise in yellow metal follows easing geopolitical concerns after US President Donald Trump signalled a delay in potential military action against Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6. This development, along with ongoing diplomatic efforts, has helped support safe-haven demand. gold Rate Today Further adding to market sentiment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, relaying messages as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions. Countries like Türkiye and Egypt are also reportedly supporting the mediation process, offering some relief to global financial markets. Gold Rate in India: Check Latest 22K, 24K & 18K Gold Prices Per Gram 24 Karat Gold Rate Today in India In the 24 Karat segment, at the time of writing, the rate for 1 gram stood at Rs 14,471, rising by Rs 16 from Rs 14,455. For 8 grams, the price increased to Rs 1,15,768, up by Rs 128. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,44,710, reflecting a gain of Rs 160, while 100 grams of 24 Karat gold were priced at Rs 14,47,100, marking an increase of Rs 1,600. 22 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The price of one gram of 22K stood at Rs 13,265, gaining Rs 15 from the previous session. For 8 grams, the rate rose to Rs 1,06,120, registering an increase of Rs 120. The cost of 10 grams advanced to Rs 1,32,650, up by Rs 150, while 100 grams were priced at Rs 13,26,500, reflecting a gain of Rs 1,500. 18 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The rate for one gram of 18K stood at Rs 10,853, up by Rs 12. For 8 grams, the price moved up to Rs 86,824, marking a gain of Rs 96. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,08,530, increasing by Rs 120, while 100 grams were valued at Rs 10,85,300, reflecting an uptick of Rs 1,200. Latest MCX Gold Price In the domestic futures market, gold on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) held firm above the Rs 1,44,500 level as per latest trading record, supported largely by the weakness in the Indian rupee, which continues to cushion local prices despite global volatility. Latest Spot Gold Rate The rebound in domestic gold rates comes alongside a recovery in international markets, where gold moved above the $4,400 per ounce mark. What Lies Ahead for Gold Prices? Check Gold Rate Prediction Jateen Trivedi, VP - Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency), LKP Securities, said, "Gold remained slightly positive, trading above $4,425 with highs near $4,475, supported by initial optimism around US-Iran talks. However, the sharp rise in crude continues to signal underlying market stress and inflation risks." From a technical perspective, he explained, "Technically, support is seen near Rs 1,42,000, while resistance is placed around Rs 1,46,500. Overall, gold is expected to remain volatile with limited upside unless clarity emerges on inflation and geopolitics."](https://keralanews247.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rupee-and-dollar-scaled-350x250.png)
