During the match, when N. Wadhera hit a flat six off R. Bishnoi, the ball was flying towards the boundary. To everyone’s shock, a ball boy near the boundary taken a perfect caught, displaying superb calmness and reflexes to the rest of the spectators. The entire stadium roared in astonishment as even the players appreciated the effort put in.

There was a mix of emotions in the crowd, but perhaps one of the best came from PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, a renowned fielder himself. He was seen being excited, clapping his hands with a smile, which added to the moment. Almost instantly, the video went viral, with fans showcasing their love and adoration for the young boy's skill.

A PERFECT CATCH BY THE BALL BOY. 😄

- Ricky Ponting approves it. ✅pic.twitter.com/FMgeQxzIWF

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025 : Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings Match Highlights

This incredible catch definitely added flavour to an already exciting game and proved to the fans that cricket is not only a game; it is a way of life. This is what the IPL aims to portray: love, excitement and hidden wonders among the young fans of cricket.

There are speeches in cricket that are recalled for a lifetime. Ricky Ponting, arguably the greatest captain ever and current coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS), made a motivational speech after his team's stunning victory in IPL 2025. His speech was not about winning a game—it was about passion, unity, and never giving up.

A Season of Resolve and Perseverance
Ponting began by outlining his players' experience during the tournament. He talked about the way they worked against them, about what they had sacrificed, and the efforts that they undertook game after game. He appreciated the contribution each player made to make the team successful at batting, bowling, or even fielding.

"We win together, we lose together, and today, we celebrate together. This is what makes a champion team."

"People doubted us. They said we couldn’t do it. But we showed them what true champions are made of!"

Ricky Ponting’s Winning Speech: A Moment of Inspiration

THE WINNING SPEECH OF COACH RICKY PONTING. 🔥pic.twitter.com/rT761eg9A1

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 26, 2025

ALSO READ:IPL 2025: SRH vs LSG Match 7 Who will be the impact players for the seventh match

Ricky Ponting Performs Puja with Punjab Kings Ahead of IPL 2025

Australian cricketing great and Punjab Kings (PBKS) team coach Ricky Ponting was caught off guard while taking part in a classical puja ritual at the eve of the IPL 2025 tournament. The puja ritual was performed at the new Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium as a move to obtain God's blessings to support the success of the team during the impending competition.

A Novel Experience for Punjab Kings
Ponting, one of the most successful captains in the history of cricket, came aboard PBKS as their coach for the IPL 2025 season from coaching the Delhi Capitals for seven seasons. As a part of the team's preps, PBKS management arranged a puja, the usual convention back home, to ensure good luck. The image of Ponting, a foreign coach, respectfully doing the ritual in a puja saw attention from fans and the cricket fraternity.

Ricky Ponting doing Puja. #PunjabKings @RickyPonting @IPL @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/ifKe2u823H

— Vijay Tagore (@vijaymirror) March 20, 2025

ALSO READ:Watch:The Roar of Chepauk Chilling Tribute to MS Dhoni BY Ben Cutting's Wife

Punjab Kings' New Beginnings
Punjab Kings have undergone huge changes for the new season. In addition to appointing Ponting as head coach, the franchise also made Shreyas Iyer its captain. Iyer was acquired for ₹26.75 crores in the IPL 2025 mega auction and is one of the costliest players this season. The team is seeking to reverse its previous performances and hopes to make a big splash in the league.

Shreyas Iyer the current Punjab Kings captain has once again reunited with his former coach Ricky Ponting where earlier they worked within Delhi Capitals. Shreyas and Ricky always shared a different bond as they knew each other firmly so it would be no big task for Iyer to get accommodated in the team. Iyer has always been backed by Ponting for his batting skills and the vision he possesses for the game. 

Shreyas Iyer was bought by Punjab Kings for 26.5 crores in the latest auction which happened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Former Kolkata player and skipper decided to leave the team due to credibility issues which resulted in winning the title for the third time for the kkr franchise which was mentored by Gautam Gambhir. Even Iyer too was not open about it which was later declared by the source. 

Read More: BCCI Planning To Organise Opening Ceremony At All13 Venues

Iyer struggled and came back in fashion.

Shreyas Iyer had a great World Cup season in 2023 he was the backbone of the middle order and he scored ample runs though missed in the final. After the final things started turning for him where to a lack of communication from him BCCI sacked him from his central contract after that series of things cultivated against still chose to remain silent, later he took part in SMAT and the Ranji Trophy won all of them and with KKR he won the title for them too. 

It was enough that he was added to Champions Trophy squad still it was at stake whether Iyer would play or not but he was included and he played a huge role in the Champions Trophy victory he was the second-highest run scorer of the tournament scoring 234 runs just short by Rachin Ravindra who scored 263 runs. After that there was no stopping for him, he though admitted that he didn't want to utter any speculation and let his bat speak. 

Ponting and Iyer on Punjab Kings Growth

Shreyas Iyer joined the Punjab Kings camp after the champion's trophy victory yesterday they had the press meet, where coach Ricky Ponting's team captain Shreyas Iyer and CEO, Sathish Menon were present that coach Ricky Ponting hailed his captain stating he's a great human being. He is an IPL-winning captain. We could not have asked for more. He has only joined the camp a couple of days ago so he is starting to make his mark on the team as a captain and as a leader and that will evolve over the next few days before we get into our first game. But as I said, I could not have been happier.

Read More: Security Concerns Rise Over KKR Vs LSG Match Reschedule Might Happen

We have a good mix of youth and experienced players. We have high-quality Indian players and some high-quality overseas players as well, the boys have trained well in, their training sessions.  Iyer too was excited to work with Ricky Ponting once again When I worked with him for the first time in the past, he made me feel like I am a great player and I can easily excel in this format. The confidence he gives a player is of a different level, The goal is to win the trophy, that's our mindset right now and it's a step-by-step process, it's not like you wake up in the morning and do it but the way we're practising right now and the way we're sharing our wavelength and camaraderie.  These were the words of Iyer who wanted to motivate his team. Punjab will be facing GT in Ahmedabad on 25 March, Rest two games will be their home games. 

Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting set a great example to dominate the cricket world in the early 21st century. Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma has produced similar success stories in the recent ICC tournaments. Here, we are going through the key stats differences between the captain Ricky Ponting and Rohit Sharma. 

Australia under Ricky Ponting's leadership

Under the leadership of Australian captain Ricky Ponting, Aussies won four ICC trophies. While they won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, both as the unbeaten sides, they won the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 and ICC Champions Trophy 2009. The cricket fans can't forget skipper Ricky Ponting's one of the greatest batting performances during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 Final against India, where he won the Player of the Match award for his powerful batting performance of 140 not out.

See Also: Kohli Talks About India's Success in the 2025 Champions Trophy

Rohit Sharma-led India

Meanwhile, after finishing as the runners-up in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 by losing the Final against Australia, which was the only defeat for Rohit Sharma-led India in that entire tournament, they won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025, both as the unbeaten sides. Rohit Sharma-led India have recorded 23 wins in their last 24 fixtures in the ICC tournaments, which is just incredible for any team. 

Just like the legendary Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma has played an integral role with the bat for his team. While captain Ponting was always a key name for Australia in the ICC tournaments, skipper Rohit has proved it in recent ICC tournaments. While Indian captain Rohit batted powerfully consistently in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, he won the Player of the Match award in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final against New Zealand. 

Ricky Ponting vs Rohit Sharma in ICC events as captain 

As a batter

Rohit Sharma has received tremendous recognition from Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, for his exceptional captaincy skills as well as for flourishing in the ICC tournament. Having watched Rohit in the Mumbai Indians setup as a player and later as a coach, Ponting is sure that Rohit has set his sights on the ODI World Cup.  

While praising Sharma, Ponting also recognized Sharma's past challenges with ICC events. “I was lucky enough to work with Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians as a player as well as a coach. He was missing those ICC events only, and now he has ticked that box as well,” Ponting said. This statement follows Sharma’s remarkable achievement in winning a significant ICC tournament and gaining the appreciation of those who doubted his abilities to perform on the biggest stage.  

Ponting asserts with a lot of confidence that Sharma's next primary target will be the ODI World Cup. “I believe he will be eyeing that ODI World Cup,” he added, having full faith that the Indian captain will claim the ODI Worldcup to his ever-growing list of achievements.

Ricky pointing greater than Sachin as a player and captain he said it . Insecure sachin tendulkar didn't praising him now and also 2024 T20 won also . 🙏🏻🙏🏻🫡 https://t.co/pcqbvzMjZV

— 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚗 ᥫ᭡ (@Charan07_) March 13, 2025

Also Read: The Hundred Show No Pakistan Players Picked At The Draft

Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India clinched the ODI World Cup title in 2011, and has remained unsuccessful in their attempts to win the title again since then. With the next ODI World Cup coming up, it will be Rohit's experience, leadership, and aggression in the top order that would help India try to get the glory once again.  

Rohit is calm, yet possesses the command of a leader, which is what allowed him to bag multiple IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians. This makes Rohit one of the greatest captains in cricket history with India's built in talent. With an ICC title under him, it will be interesting to see if he helps India flourish in the other formats of the game.  

Confidence in Rohit Sharma by Ricky Ponting goes to show how popular the captain has become lately with respect to his performances in the world stage. Now with India preparing for the next ODI World Cup, the question is, will Rohit make Ponting's words come true? If anything is clear, Rohit Sharma is the player that history shows performs his best under pressure, and taking a guess, the ODI World Cup may be his next jewel.

Ricky Ponting Backs Rohit Sharma: "His Time is Not Up Yet"

Former Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting has come out in defence of Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma, claiming that his career is nowhere near over. Ponting said this when he was commenting on Rohit's recent performance in the Champions Trophy final. Rohit's batting performance in the final, as according to Ponting, shows that the Indian cricketer is still a key player for India.

Rohit Sharma's Performance
Rohit Sharma has been a central figure in the Indian cricket team for many years. He is best known for his capability of scoring big scores in important games. During the final of the Champions Trophy, Rohit was instrumental in assisting India to take a strong position. His pressure-handling skills and performance in high-stakes matches make him a valuable asset to the team.

Ponting’s Statement

Ponting stated, "I mean when you see Rohit Sharma play like he played in the Champions Trophy final, you wouldn't say that his time is up just yet." This means that Rohit still has the skill, experience, and match-winning ability to contribute to Indian cricket.

Should India Seek a Replacement?
Although India has plenty of talented young cricketers, replacing Rohit Sharma is not a task easy to accomplish. No one else can match his capability of anchoring an innings, playing forceful shots, and mentoring youngsters. Until the day he shows a dip in form, India will not forget him.

Success in international cricket is measured by titles, performances under pressure and match winning performances. One major metric to gauge a player’s impact is the number of wins he has been part of in ICC white ball events (ODIs and T20Is). A recent list has the top cricketers with the most wins in ICC events and it’s no surprise that modern day greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma top the list.

With 72 wins in 90 matches, Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has been part of the most number of wins in ICC white ball tournaments. His ability to perform on the biggest stage, whether in World Cups, Champions Trophy or T20 World Cups, makes him one of the most important cricketers of his era. Kohli’s match winning performances, especially in high pressure games have been the reason for India’s success over the years.

India’s current captain Rohit Sharma is just behind Kohli with 70 wins in 90 matches. He is known for his effortless stroke play and ability to rise in big tournaments, Rohit has been a key player in India’s wins in ICC events.He has centuries in World Cups and has led, so he’s one of the all time greats.

The list also features some of the most decorated cricketers in history.

• Mahela Jayawardene (Sri lanka) - 57 wins in 93 matches
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 56 wins in 90 matches
• Ravindra Jadeja (India) - 52 wins in 70 matches
• Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 52 wins 70 matches
• MS Dhoni (India) - 52 wins in 78 matches                                                                                                                                                                                         

Sri Lankan greats Jayawardene and Sangakkara were the main men in their team’s success in the 2000s and early 2010s, taking Sri Lanka to multiple ICC finals, including a T20 World Cup win in 2014.

Part of Most wins in ICC Events (White Ball)

72 - Virat Kohli (90 Matches)
70 - Rohit Sharma (90 Matches)
57 - Mahela Jayawardene (93 Matches)
56 - Kumar Sangakkara (90 Matches)
52 - Ravindra Jadeja (66 Matches)
52 - Ricky Ponting (70 Matches)
52 - MS Dhoni (78 Matches)… pic.twitter.com/Ewz1f7K7s2

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 10, 2025

Also Read: Cricketers Who Made Stunning Comebacks Thanks to IPL

MS Dhoni, the Indian captain, is also on this list with 52 wins in 78 matches. He led India to win the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, so he’s one of the most successful captains in ICC history.

It is a mark of the players' consistent performances and their ability to perform in the clutch in ICC white ball events that the list is as it stands today. This has written a new chapter in the history of cricket with Kohli and Rohit leading India as captain, while legends of the game like Dhoni, Ponting and Jayawardene have come to the crease and left their mark. As the next ICC tournaments approach, fans will be waiting to see who rises to the top and adds to their legacy.

Former South African captain AB de Villiers picked his top five ODI batsmen of all time. Since he played with or against them, his choices are based on their finishing skills, consistency, leadership, and all-around talent and skills in the game.

5. Jacques Kallis 

The last player on AB de Villiers’ list of top five ODI batsmen was his former South African teammate, Jacques Kallis. He wasn’t just a great batsman but also a top-class all-rounder who played a huge role in South Africa’s success in ODIs with both bat and ball.  

Jacques Kallis is a top-class middle-order batsman who could handle the pressure in crucial times. Jacques Kallis Known for his solid technique, patience, and consistency, he scored 11,579 runs in 328 ODIs, including 17 centuries and 86 fifties, with an impressive average of 44.36. He was effective with the ball, taking 273 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls, at an average of 31.79 and an economy rate of 4.84. To this day, he is the only all-rounder to score over 10,000 runs and take more than 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs.

4. Ricky Ponting 

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is in fourth place on AB de Villiers’ list of the best ODI batsmen list. Ricky Ponting was an aggressive player who loved to take on bowlers right from the first ball and aggressiveness makes bowlers mistakes. He had plenty of attacking shots and he was known for his consistency

He is one of the most feared batsmen of his time. But he wasn’t just a great batter and he is also a fantastic Captain. As captain, he led Australia to back-to-back ODI World Cup wins in 2003 and 2007.  

Ponting played 375 ODIs for Australia, scoring 13,704 runs at an average of 42.03. His impressive record includes 30 centuries and 82 fifties, securing his place as one of the greatest ODI players ever in all time.

3. Sachin Tendulkar

Former South African captain AB de Villiers placed Sachin Tendulkar at number three on his list. Tendulkar is one of the greatest batsmen of all time in all formats, scoring a record 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs, with 49 centuries and 96 fifties at an average of 44.83.  

He was the first player to score a double century in ODIs, achieving this feat against South Africa in 2010. As a classic opener, he built a strong partnership with Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. Tendulkar also played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup win, helping the team lift the trophy after 28 years. With his solid technique, ability to adapt, and skill to dominate bowlers across generations, Tendulkar became a true legend of the game and was known as a master blaster.

2. Virat Kohli 

AB de Villiers’ second pick for the best ODI batsman, Virat Kohli. For more than 15 years, Kohli has been one of India’s most Consistent batters in all formats. 

He made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2008 and quickly became one of the greatest in the ODI format. Recently, Virat Kohli became the fastest player to score 14,000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone in just 287 innings. He also holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs, with 51 in the recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In 301 ODIs, Kohli has scored 14,180 runs at an average of 58.11, with 51 centuries and 74 fifties, proving why he is one of the best ODI batters of all time.

1. MS Dhoni 

AB de Villiers’ first pick for the best ODI batsman is MS Dhoni. Dhoni was one of the greatest ODI batters, known for his attacking style, incredible finishing skills, and ability to stay calm in difficult situations.  

Batting in the middle order as no.5, he could steady the innings and accelerate when needed. More than just a great batsman, Dhoni was also one of the best ODI captains, leading India to 110 wins in 200 matches. Under his Captaincy, India won the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. In 350 ODIs, Dhoni scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, with 10 centuries and 73 fifties, making him one of the best finishers and best captains for India.

India's victory over New Zealand has taped the semi-final slot for semi-finals. As the group stages have come to an end. The four semi-finalists ( India, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia) have lined up for the ultimate battle of Champions Trophy Trophy. India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets. They secured their second win against Pakistan by six wickets. Their final game was against New Zealand which they won by 44 runs. 

Australia faced their arch rivals England in their opening encounter of Champions Trophy securing a historic win chasing the 350 plus mamoth score, Thanks to Josh Inglis century by which they can achieve this target. Rest of their two matches were off due to rain securing two points in each game. 

India finished their pool as table toppers, whereelse in pool A Australia have secured top spot. Earlier without a confirmation it was deligated that both Australia and South Africa have to travel 2000 kilometers to Dubai which became the talk of town indicating a clear advantage to India. 

India Depicting the Advantage Against Australia In CT

In 50 overs cricket both the teams have the greatest rivalry but Australia has the highest win percentage against them. But in CT India clearly dominated them by securing 2-1. India defeated them in 1998 and in 2000 once conquered them by 20 runs. Australia trailed India in 2006 defeating them in their own fort by six wickets. In 2009 too they faced each other where Australia opted out to bat but due to rain match became abandoned. 

But if you see head-to-head matches between them it's Australia who has the clear cut edge between these two teams. India and Australia have played a total of 151 matches between them, where

Australia - 84 wins

India -        57 wins

Read More - India Remains Unbeaten In Champions Trophy Faces Australia In Semi Finals

Whose Advantage On This Game

Australia's domination over the years on the Indian team is predictable. Who would forget about the 2003 World Cup final where Australia beat India by a huge margin? Then they went on to win the 2007 World Cup too, but after the retirement of Ponting, Australia surged back and had the trophy drought till 2015, when Micheal Clarke broke that jinks.

Read More: Jos Butler Pens Down From England Captaincy

Soon Australia started their dominating phase once again when Pat Cummins was appointed as Australia captain where they won the 2023 World Cup In India by beating India and won the Border Gavaskar trophy after 10 years. Now in this champions Trophy few of their key members are injured still they are fighting like an fresh lion. Now this decisive semi final too has a big advantage on Australia side but still India will have a constant drive.