# Ponting’s pep talk revived Wadhera’s flagging IPL confidence

2026-08-14T06:17:01+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Punjab Kings batter Nehal Wadhera has credited head coach Ricky Ponting for personally lifting his spirits during a difficult IPL 2026 season in which he managed only 65 runs. Wadhera said Ponting approached him unprompted, told him he was a “senior player” the franchise backed, and urged him to express himself. The 25-year-old, who scored 369 runs in IPL 2025, said such reassurance can only come from a coach who has faced the sport's highs and lows himself. Wadhera also praised captain Shreyas Iyer and the entire support staff for setting high standards through example.

## Coverage

- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/he-was-the-first-person-how-ricky-ponting-helped-punjab-kings-nehal-wadhera-during-tough-times-in-ipl-2026/20260814.htm>

Tags: coach-player bond, Cricket, IPL 2026, Nehal Wadhera, Punjab Kings, Ricky Ponting
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