The IPL is rarely just a story about what happens on the pitch. With social media bringing fans closer to the franchises, the league’s off-field moments often end up as compelling as the match action. Recently, Punjab Kings offered a glimpse into one such slice of life, featuring head coach Ricky Ponting speaking about a special homemade meal.
Quick facts
- Punjab Kings shared a Facebook video showing Ricky Ponting praising a hearty home-cooked meal.
- The food was cooked by PBKS opener Prabhsimran Singh’s mother.
- Ponting responded to a question from wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran: “How was the food?”
- Ponting said the same setup happened last year and that Prabhsimran’s form improved afterward.
- He added that Prabhsimran hit five fifties in a row after that earlier occasion.
- The video appears to have been recorded a few days before the latest run of form.
- Prabhsimran has since scored back-to-back fifties: 51 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, followed by 39-ball 80* vs Mumbai Indians.
- Punjab Kings are the only team in the season yet to lose a match at the time of writing.
- PBKS are chasing their maiden IPL title; last year they lost the final narrowly to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
In the clip, Ponting lavishes praise on the home-cooked dishes and ties it to a familiar optimism. When Ponting is asked, “How was the food?”, his reply highlights the warmth of the gesture and the confidence it seems to bring. The coach also notes that the same tradition was followed previously.
That detail matters, because Ponting links last year’s version of the moment to a spike in Prabhsimran’s batting output. He recalls asking Prabhsimran and his mother to repeat the arrangement and then points to what followed—an extended stretch of strong performances. Ponting’s message is simple: the home meal became a lucky charm, at least in spirit, for the run that came after.
“Absolutely beautiful,” Ponting said, adding that they had done it the previous year as well. He explained that he had asked Prabhsimran and his mother to come do the same thing again, calling it “magnificent.” Then, looking ahead to the present, he suggested history could repeat itself—claiming Prabhsimran had produced five fifties in a row after this time last year and expressing hope that the same pattern returns.
From the meal to the momentum
The timing of the video appears to be a few days prior to Prabhsimran’s latest surge. Since then, the opener has continued to pile up big contributions, including back-to-back half-centuries. First, he struck a 51 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, keeping the pressure on from the top.
Not long after, Prabhsimran delivered again with a standout knock against Mumbai Indians. He made 80 not out off just 39 balls, a fast, controlled innings that underlined why Ponting’s optimism is resonating. The coach’s faith in the batter’s rhythm has looked well founded.
With Prabhsimran’s form building, Punjab Kings—who at the time were yet to register a defeat—have plenty to feel good about. The franchise is still in pursuit of its first IPL trophy, and a strong run from here would be a major boost in that quest. Last year, they came heartbreakingly close, losing the final narrowly to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Ponting’s praise after the win
After another dominant outing, the Punjab Kings camp held its usual post-match discussion. Following their win over Mumbai Indians—described in the report as a thrashing—Ponting was effusive about Prabhsimran’s impact. The opener’s effort helped the team chase a target of 196 comfortably.
Ponting made it clear he wasn’t saving his compliments, saying he was “not starting to run out of appreciation” for what the side is doing. He singled out Prabhsimran for his work ethic during the Powerplay, noting that the opener didn’t get as much strike during that phase. Instead, Ponting credited him for building the innings outside the Powerplay—stressing that Prabhsimran was skilful, composed, and calculating.
“You’re batting as well as I’ve ever seen you bat,” Ponting said, reinforcing the high regard he has for the batter’s current level. The coach’s overall message tied together the day’s performance with confidence for what comes next, with Prabhsimran’s steady rise at the centre of it.
