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R Ashwin Sympathizes with Ricky Ponting After Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 Collapse

Devansh Cox · · 4 min read
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The Heartbreak in Dharamshala: Ricky Ponting’s Viral Moment

The Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign has taken a tragic turn, transforming from a dominant start into a full-blown crisis. Following their latest defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Dharamshala on Sunday, May 18, the emotional toll on the franchise was laid bare for the world to see. The focal point of this heartbreak was none other than the legendary Australian and current PBKS head coach, Ricky Ponting.

Shortly after the match concluded, a poignant image surfaced on social media, capturing Ponting sitting alone and motionless in the dugout. Staring blankly at the ground, the man known for his fierce competitive spirit looked completely shattered. Fans and analysts alike were moved by the visual, noting that one of cricket’s toughest characters rarely shows such vulnerability. This moment has since become the defining image of PBKS’ second-half collapse this season.

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A Dramatic Fall from Grace: 6 Wins to 6 Losses

The trajectory of the Punjab Kings in IPL 2026 is nothing short of baffling. At the start of the tournament, they looked like the team to beat, storming through their first six matches with a perfect record, while one additional fixture in Kolkata was washed out. With 13 points early on, they were heavy favorites to secure a top-two spot in the playoffs.

However, the wheels have completely fallen off in the second half of the season. Following the loss to RCB, Punjab has now suffered six consecutive defeats. This unprecedented slump has pushed them to the brink of elimination. Their playoff hopes now depend on a complex web of results: they must win their final league game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and pray for other outcomes to swing in their favor. The pressure on captain Shreyas Iyer and his squad has reached a breaking point.

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Ravichandran Ashwin Offers Insight and Sympathy

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who once captained the Punjab franchise, took to his YouTube channel, ‘Ash Ki Baat,’ to discuss the viral photo and the underlying issues at PBKS. Ashwin expressed deep sympathy for both Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, acknowledging the immense pressure of leading a team through such a dramatic collapse.

“I saw a powerful picture on TV after the match today,” Ashwin remarked. “Ricky Ponting was leaning forward in the dugout, all alone. He must have a lot going on inside his head. They were in the prime position to run away and take the top two spots in this tournament. I think they must be asking themselves where they went wrong.”

Ashwin’s perspective is particularly valuable given his history with the team. He recalled his own experiences in 2018, noting that the psychological weight of losing momentum in the IPL is a unique challenge that requires more than just technical adjustments.

The Venue Controversy: Mullanpur vs. Dharamshala

One of the most critical points Ashwin raised was the decision to split home matches between Mullanpur and Dharamshala. He argued that this logistical choice severely hampered the team’s ability to build a fortress. PBKS had found their rhythm in Mullanpur, winning consistently, but the move to Dharamshala for their final home stretch proved disastrous.

  • Lack of Home Advantage: Ashwin pointed out that champion teams rarely switch home venues mid-season.
  • Climatic and Technical Differences: While the soil used for the pitches might be similar, the change in altitude in Dharamshala significantly affects the pace and bounce of the ball.
  • The Struggle of Young Players: Both local and foreign players found it difficult to adapt to the new conditions after getting comfortable in Mullanpur.
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“You shouldn’t leave your home ground,” Ashwin asserted. “If they had won even one of these home games in Dharamshala, they would’ve been smiling right now. It’s quite disappointing. I feel sad for Punjab. Ricky Ponting will be distraught; Shreyas Iyer will be too.”

Prioritizing Business Over Performance?

Ashwin didn’t hold back in his critique of the franchise ownership, suggesting that the decision to play in Dharamshala might have been driven more by commercial interests than by a commitment to on-field success. He noted that creating a consistent environment is key to winning titles, and by moving the team away from a winning venue, the owners effectively turned their own home games into ‘away’ fixtures.

As the Punjab Kings prepare for their final stand against LSG, the atmosphere in the camp is undoubtedly heavy. Whether they can pull off a miracle or if this season ends in total heartbreak remains to be seen. However, as the viral image of Ricky Ponting suggests, the emotional scars of IPL 2026 will take a long time to heal.

Devansh Cox

Devansh Cox is the chief cricket writer for Dawn, Pakistan's leading English-language daily, where he covers the national team, the Pakistan Super League, and the socio-political undercurrents of the sport. With a family heritage tracing back to the British Raj and strong ties to the UK, Cox brings a unique cross-cultural lens to his reporting, often examining the experiences of South Asian cricketers in English county circuits. A Karachi native, he is known for his technical analysis of fast bowling and his deep access to team insiders. His work has been cited by the ICC and the BBC, and he is a regular guest on Test Match Special’s Pakistan coverage.

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