Veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has lauded two standout figures of IPL 2025 — Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer — for their pivotal roles in shaping what has been a remarkable season so far. Speaking during a mid-season broadcast, Bhogle showered praise on Ponting for his tactical brilliance as a coach and on Iyer for his maturity and consistency as captain, highlighting how both have elevated their respective teams to peak performance during the tournament’s most competitive edition yet.
Ricky Ponting, head coach of the Delhi Capitals, has long been revered for his cricketing mind and leadership acumen. This season, he has taken it a notch higher. Under his guidance, Delhi Capitals have found a renewed sense of identity — a blend of aggressive youth and measured experience. Ponting’s decision-making, especially with regard to rotating bowlers and managing middle-order batting scenarios, has stood out. His influence on young players like Rishabh Pant, who has returned to form, and bowlers like Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel, has been clearly visible. Bhogle emphasized how Ponting’s ability to get the best out of players, while keeping team morale high, remains unmatched.
Equally impressive has been the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, who has been steering the Kolkata Knight Riders with poise and authority. After an injury setback kept him out for much of last season, Iyer’s return has provided KKR with a stabilizing force. His form with the bat has been consistent, often holding the innings together and accelerating when needed. More importantly, his calmness under pressure and astute field placements have helped KKR win tight matches this season — a stark contrast from their struggles in previous editions.
Harsha Bhogle, known for his keen observations and balanced insights, pointed out the complementary leadership styles of Ponting and Iyer. While Ponting brings a hard-nosed, championship-winning mindset forged in the trenches of Australian cricket, Iyer brings a newer, more contemporary Indian flair — calculated, calm, and creative. According to Bhogle, both men are vital examples of how strategic leadership and composure can dramatically influence a team’s fortunes.
Beyond tactics and batting averages, Bhogle also touched upon the cultural impact these two leaders have had within their squads. Ponting’s mentorship has cultivated a fearless approach among Delhi players, while Iyer’s composed presence has built confidence in KKR’s dressing room, even among the younger squad members. Their influence stretches beyond match days, shaping how teams prepare, train, and mentally approach the pressures of a tournament as intense as the IPL.
As the playoff race heats up, both Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders remain in strong contention, and a lot of that credit goes to the men at the helm. Harsha Bhogle’s praise is a testament to the crucial roles Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer have played in making IPL 2025 not only exciting but also a masterclass in leadership and cricketing strategy.
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