Pune (Maharashtra) [India], March 1 (ANI): For younger Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge, sharing a dressing room with Australian nice Ricky Ponting is greater than an IPL alternative — it’s a masterclass in management, mindset and big-match temperament.
As he gears up for IPL 2026 with Punjab Kings, the 23-year-old displays on how a easy first assembly throughout a pre-season camp in Dharamshala became a defining studying expertise below a two-time World Cup-winning captain.
“Our first pre-season camp was in Dharamshala. I was sitting in the back seat, and he was sitting in front of me. That was the first time I met him,” Shedge recalled whereas talking to ANI. “You can feel that aura when a person who is successful at the sport and is sitting in front of you, and he has a lot of wisdom. You feel that when you are meeting such a guy for the first time.”
Ponting’s return as head coach of Punjab Kings for a second straight season has solely strengthened the idea throughout the camp after a transformative 2025 marketing campaign that noticed the franchise attain the ultimate.
“I think I had a lot of conversations with him. I learnt a lot. And, this year, we will start where we left off,” Shedge stated, sounding each grateful and bold.
The 2025 season was a turning level for Punjab Kings. The reunion of Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer, who had earlier labored collectively at Delhi Capitals, reshaped the franchise’s id. A struggling facet turned fearless contenders, pushed by readability of roles and unity in management.
Shedge, who has performed below Iyer in Mumbai cricket as properly, believes the concord between coach and captain is the spine of Punjab’s resurgence.
“I think they complement each other well. They understand each other. And, because of that understanding, the team does well. Because when the captain and the coach are on the same page, I think beautiful things happen. 99% of the time, they are on the same page. And that’s why everything clicked,” he stated.
What makes Ponting’s mentorship particular, in keeping with Shedge, is that it doesn’t cease as soon as the IPL ends. The Australian nice retains a detailed eye on home performances and stays linked along with his gamers.
“On and off. He keeps on tracking domestic tournaments also. So, whenever something happens, he texts me. If I am stuck somewhere, I text him. So, on-and-off conversations keep happening,” Shedge revealed.
Those small exchanges, a congratulatory textual content, a bit of recommendation, a reassuring phrase, imply loads to a younger cricketer navigating expectations and development.
As IPL 2026 approaches, questions naturally come up about his position. Answering “I can’t say that right now. But, from the start, my opinion is that I like to win the match. So, whatever role I get, it is my responsibility to try to fulfil it. So, when I meet Shreyas bhai and when I meet Ricky sir, we will have that conversation. But there is still time for that. And, I think preparations are in place. And, because I played a few games last season, I know what I have to work on,” he stated.
It is that this grounded outlook that defines him. Despite the glitz of the IPL and the affect of world icons like Ponting, Shedge stays deeply rooted in home cricket. Having performed Ranji Trophy for the previous few seasons, he feels his red-ball recreation has matured.
“I have been playing Ranji Trophy since the last 2-3 seasons. So, my role has cleared up somewhere. I know what to prepare for now. And, I think when Ranji Trophy comes back next year, we will go in with better plans. And, I will also be well prepared. So, that time around, we should be able to lift the trophy,” he stated.
For Shedge, the journey is just not about chasing headlines. It is about studying from one of the best, staying prepared for each alternative, and contributing to a group tradition constructed on belief and shared ambition. (ANI)
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