"I knew what he could do": Ricky Ponting backs Priyansh Arya's fearless approach

Mullanpur (Punjab) [India], April 15 (ANI): Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on young batter Priyansh Arya, who has made an impression early in the Indian Premier League (IPL) season with his fearless attitude and aggressive intent.
"I saw plenty of videos going into the auction and I was very keen to get him in the auction," Ponting said about the youngster on an official video posted by IPL
"I knew what he could do. He seemed like that, he has got a fearless approach and that is what you need to have to be a successful batter in T20 cricket," he added.
Ponting, who joined Punjab Kings as head coach ahead of this IPL season, emphasized that while it's easy to encourage players to play their natural attacking game, the true test comes when they face setbacks.
"It is easy to let guys play that way but when a couple of failures in a row, that is when coaching becomes very important. You have to make sure that you tell them the right things, they do not go into their shells and continue playing their natural game," he explained.
The former Australian captain also credited captain Shreyas Iyer for playing a crucial role in guiding youngsters through tough phases in the tournament.
"Shreyas is a big part of that as well. It is not only about the coaches. You learn more from the senior players, who are out there in the middle helping you through certain situations. He has been great to work with, coach with," Ponting said.
"There are few guys in the squad who will become great IPL players and potentially international players as well," he noted.
Ponting admitted that coaching comes with its own challenges and frustrations, especially during games when a coach can only observe and motivate rather than directly influence the outcome.
"It is a lot harder being a coach. When you are a player, you can do something to influence the outcome. When you are a coach, you are sitting in the dugout, when the game starts, there is not much you can really do. You can chat with the boys in the timeout. That is what makes coaching a bit more frustrating," he said.
Yet, it's that very tension and excitement that keeps the legendary cricketer coming back to the dugout year after year.
"The main reason I love coaching as much as I do is the competitive nature that comes with it. It is the closest I can come to playing the game again. That is why I am here in my 10th or 12th year as a coach in the IPL. A new team, new atmosphere, a great group of players and a team which has had a fine start to the tournament. I am loving every bit of it," he said.
Despite his vast experience, Ponting humbly admits that he continues to learn and evolve as a coach, just like the players he mentors.
"I am still learning as a coach, I have been around for a long time. These players can learn every single day, be it training or the game. There is things you can pick up that can make you a better player for the next game," he noted. (ANI)