“Yuzvendra Chahal And Bus Driver Treated The Same Way”: PBKS Player Drops Truth Bomb About Team Culture

May 27, 2025: After Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured their place in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 with a commanding seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, batter Shashank Singh offered heartfelt praise for head coach Ricky Ponting and skipper Shreyas Iyer, crediting them with reshaping the team’s mindset and culture.

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This win not only sealed PBKS’s place in the playoffs for the first time since 2014, but also gave them a top-two finish — guaranteeing two chances at reaching the final.

Shreyas Iyer, who was signed for a staggering ₹26.75 crore after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (whom he led to a title win in 2024), now stands on the brink of making IPL history — potentially becoming the first captain to win back-to-back titles with two different franchises.

Ponting, fresh off his tenure with Delhi Capitals, joined Punjab with a vision to instill winning values and team-first culture — a mission Shashank says has transformed the franchise.

“He (Ponting) has changed the team culture. He has changed our mindset. He has changed our beliefs,” said Shashank. “He made sure that he built the culture within the dressing room. It’s easy to say, but building it is a different thing.”

In a moment that resonated with fans and players alike, Shashank recalled how Ponting and Shreyas led by example from day one.

“They told us they would treat Yuzvendra Chahal, the most senior player, and our bus driver the same. And they’ve stuck to that. That says a lot about who they are and what this team is about.”

The Road Ahead

With Qualifier 1 on the horizon, PBKS carry momentum, belief, and a cohesive squad culture — all essential ingredients for an IPL title run.

Despite the absence of Marco Jansen due to national duty, the team has shown depth and adaptability, with key contributions from young stars like Priyansh Arya, and veterans like Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis stepping up under pressure.

As the playoffs near, Punjab’s resurgence under Ponting and Shreyas isn’t just about cricket — it’s about leadership, equality, and a culture of belief.