Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu has revealed a captivating element behind Punjab Kings’ rise as one of many IPL’s most explosive batting sides, pointing to a singular six-hitting approach launched by Ricky Ponting. The previous India batter defined how Ponting used a easy squash ball inside a batter’s glove to unlock higher bat pace, a technique he believes is now reflecting in PBKS’s power-hitting surge.
Having labored intently with Ponting throughout their time at Mumbai Indians, each as teammates and later underneath his teaching, Rayudu defined how the strategy helped him personally whereas additionally highlighting its wider affect. Chatting with ESPNcricinfo, he credited Ponting’s method for PBKS’s rising repute as a six-hitting pressure.
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“A degree about Ricky Ponting — I’ve made this earlier as nicely — he is an excellent coach relating to serving to batsmen hit plenty of sixes. He really put a squash ball in my glove throughout video games to release the underside hand, and that improves bat pace. And it’s no shock that Punjab have been hitting so many sixes, as a result of he is the top coach and has a tremendous means of creating you apply these six-hitting expertise. I believe that’s one actually, actually. vital motive,” Rayudu mentioned.
“All people can hit sixes, however getting that bat pace by the ball may be very, essential. I believe that provides you plenty of confidence. And all the time, it is confidence that helps you hit success greater than your potential or energy. It’s confidence, backed up by bat pace,” he added.
Rayudu’s perception comes at a time when PBKS have constructed a powerful id round aggressive batting. After ending runners-up in IPL 2025, they’ve carried that momentum into the 2026 season, already smashing 23 sixes in simply two matches — 14 towards Gujarat Titans and 9 towards Chennai Tremendous Kings.
Traditionally, PBKS have been among the many main six-hitting groups within the IPL, with 1,686 sixes to their identify, however underneath Ponting, the method has change into extra structured and intent-driven. Batters like Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh have thrived on this setup, combining confidence with clear ball-striking.
WHAT IS PONTING’S SPECIAL SIX-HITTING TRICK?
The approach itself is easy however efficient. A squash ball is positioned contained in the batter’s bottom-hand glove, making a slight bulge that stops the participant from gripping the bat too tightly with the decrease hand.
This permits the highest hand to take management, enhancing bat swing and producing higher bat pace by the hitting arc. The added resistance additionally helps gamers develop a freer swing, decreasing stiffness and enabling extra highly effective contact.
Apparently, an analogous technique was utilized by Ponting’s former Australia teammate Adam Gilchrist through the 2007 World Cup, based mostly on recommendation from his coach Bob Meuleman. The precept stays the identical — free the arms, belief the swing, and let bat pace do the work.
HOW PBKS THRASHED CSK IN CHEPAUK
PBKS’s batting philosophy was on full show towards Chennai Tremendous Kings at Chepauk. Chasing 210, they approached the goal with readability and aggression, by no means permitting the required price to climb uncontrolled.
Priyansh Arya set the tone with a blistering 39 off simply 11 balls, instantly placing CSK on the again foot. From there, captain Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings with a composed half-century, guaranteeing stability amid the attacking method.
Regardless of CSK managing to publish 209, their bowlers struggled to construct strain. PBKS’s intent and execution meant the chase was wrapped up in simply 18.4 overs, extending Chennai’s struggles at residence.
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