New Delhi, August 14: The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have faced challenges since their final appearance in 2014, struggling in subsequent seasons. However, under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, the team made a remarkable comeback in 2025, reaching the finals. Despite falling short of the title, their performance left a lasting impression.
As the IPL 2026 season kicked off, PBKS started strong but faltered in the second half, suffering six consecutive losses that prevented them from making the playoffs. With IPL 2027 still some time away, the team is gearing up through an off-season camp in New Chandigarh.
In an exclusive interview, PBKS assistant coach Trevor Gonsalves discussed the objectives of the off-season camp, the need to keep players sharp and match-ready, the franchise’s development, and the positive impact of Shreyas Iyer’s leadership.
Q: What are the main goals you aim to achieve through this off-season camp?
A: Nowadays, I don’t believe in the concept of an off-season. Cricket is played year-round. In just a few days, ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ will also be starting, and we have some Punjab players involved. Several state leagues are currently ongoing or about to begin. The Kerala Premier League is happening, and the Andhra league just concluded. Now, we have the UP Premier League, and the primary goal is to keep our players fit and in touch with the game. We also hope our players perform well in these upcoming tournaments.
Additionally, some of our players have secured spots in the Indian team. Therefore, the aim is to keep them fit and engaged with the game. Fortunately, we get together for about a week during these 25 days or a month, making it a great time that will continue until IPL.
Q: Players like Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, and Nehal Wadhera are part of this camp. How do you tailor technical work for players at different career stages?
A: It’s not just about drill sessions. The players you mentioned are all professional cricketers. Prabhsimran is set to play for the team soon. Shashank is working on correcting some past shortcomings and staying fit, and Nehal is in a similar situation. We have a specific approach since there are only six or seven players here. We are guiding them through all phases of the game. We’re not focusing excessively on one aspect, but they each have their plans. We’re working on some strategies and match situations. I’m in direct contact with Ricky Ponting, who is well-informed about everything happening and receives daily reports.
Q: You joined the team in 2022. What changes have you observed in the PBKS culture and approach since then?
A: When I joined in 2022, Trevor Bayliss was also the coach. It’s about choosing and creating the right combination. The most crucial aspect is selecting domestic and foreign players. The current leadership under Ponting has been in this environment for a decade. They know the players well, having been involved with IPL and various franchises for so long. This familiarity significantly eases our task of selecting the right players for the right positions.
Today, we have a team that can genuinely perform. We have two sets of players, ensuring there’s a backup for every player. If one player is out, another is always ready and equally capable of stepping into the playing eleven. The key is selecting the right players for the right slots and then working on that.
Q: PBKS has shown considerable trust in young Indian batsmen like Prabhsimran, Wadhera, and Priyansh Arya since 2025. How do you view this trend?
A: Wickets in India are entirely different from those abroad. Playing on Indian pitches can be challenging compared to England or Australia. Just as it’s tough for Indian players to settle abroad, foreign players find it difficult to adapt to Indian conditions. The bounce might be lower, and there could be turn or grip not typically found on pitches in England and Australia. Currently, the best IPL teams have mostly Indian players. The better the Indian players, the better the team’s performance. While foreign players are respected, having a strong Indian batting lineup is essential.
Q: Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy has been impressive, and he is now also leading India in T20 internationals. What makes him an excellent captain?
A: Shreyas and Ricky Ponting have worked together for a long time, even before arriving at Punjab Kings. Shreyas’s personality is remarkable, and he is an excellent listener. When I talk to him, he is such a good listener that any team member, even the 25th one, can approach him, and he always has time for them. He possesses one of the best cricketing minds seen so far. He is calm, wise, and supportive of every player. What I appreciate most is that in meetings, personally, on the field, or during practice, negativity is not tolerated. Conversations must remain positive. Any feedback given should also be constructive.
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