Ponting Reveals Why PBKS Used Nehal Wadhera As Impact Sub: 'He Didn't Think He'd Play'

14 games into the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Punjab Kings sit at the top of the table despite having only played two games, and that’s been largely due to them firing on all cylinders. Punjab have not had one individual carry the team but have instead already seen over half a dozen players make significant contributions, something that did not happen across the past few seasons.

One such individual who made a major impact was Nehal Wadhera, who did not play the first game but came in as an impact sub against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and pummelled 43* off 25 balls.  

Interestingly, the team’s head coach, Ricky Ponting, revealed that Wadhera was originally not 100% in the side’s plans. 

“He [Wadhera] only packed one shirt in his bag because he didn't think he was going to be taking much part in the game,” Ponting said in a behind-the-scenes video posted by Punjab Kings.

So what made Ponting and Punjab go to Wadhera in the second innings?

“He fields the last four overs and then I tap him on the shoulder when I saw that they'd made their impact sub as a left-arm off-spinner. I said, mate, you're going in. And I said, make the most of the opportunity, play your way.”

Wadhera certainly made the most of the opportunity as he hammered 3 fours and four massive sixes and helped Punjab chase 172 inside 17 overs to boost their net run rate and push the side to the top of the table. 

Speaking of the role of an individual in T20s, Ponting further added, “We talk about players making impact, right? You get an opportunity in a T20 game and it's all about making an impact on the game and on the contest when you can.”

Wadhera was purchased for INR 4.2 crore at the mega auction by Punjab. He was with Mumbai Indians in the previous cycle, for whom he made 20 appearances and scored 350 runs. In