Nehal Wadhera's Unforgettable IPL Run and Near-Misses with Glory
WhatsApp Messages Reveal Ricky Ponting's Casual Conversations; Shreyas Iyer's Matter-of-Fact Approach: Insights Shared by Nehal Wadhera
In the electrifying world of IPL 2025, Nehal Wadhera, a 24-yer-old prodigy, left his mark as one of the standout performers. His stylish approach and fearless attitude scored him 369 runs in 16 games playing for Punjab Kings, boasting a staggering strike rate of 145.85. Two half-centuries and a whopping 28 boundaries and 21 sixes adorned his impressive statistics. However, Wadhera's march to glory was halted in the finale against Rajat Patidar's Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The talented middle-order batter, first noticed while playing for the Mumbai Indians in the 2023 edition of the tournament, had revealed during one of the matches that he initially felt that he wouldn't get a chance in the Playing XI. But, a heart-to-heart with head coach Ricky Ponting forever changed his destiny.
Bought by Punjab Kings for INR 4.20 crore at the mega auction last November, Wadhera became an integral part of the team alongside Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, consolidating a solid Indian core. His performances ensured Punjab Kings wouldn't have to worry much in the next IPL event.
Our exclusive interview with Nehal Wadhera, held a week after the IPL final, delves into his growth, bond with head coach Ponting, and insights into remarkable leader, Shreyas Iyer.
Highlights:
Defeat in the finals not tarnishing Punjab Kings' achievement
"Without a doubt, reaching the finals was a monumental achievement for us after a 11-year drought. Although results didn't go our way, given our entire season, it was fantastic. 7 matches where we scored over 200 runs, scoring 3000 runs as a batting group in a single season was a huge feat. The atmosphere of the team, our captain, and our coach made it an exceptional campaign."
Carrying one kit bag for IPL 2025
"I was uncertain about cracking the Playing XI, so I only brought one cricket kit. Luckily, Ricky Ponting trusted me during one game, designating me as the Impact Player, which turned the tide for me. I felt a sense of freedom and no pressure, knowing I was playing without any constraints."
Batting struggles on the crucial day against RCB
"I relinquish all blame for the defeat in the finals; RCB scored 190 runs, after all. I think I was just taking the game deeper and placing too much faith in my ability to finish games. I believe in ending games by taking it deep, but I admit I could have accelerated a bit more. Some days, it doesn't work, and I think that day was one of those instances."
Punjab Kings' consistent opportunity to youngsters
"We never focused on distinguishing between capped and uncapped players. All players, regardless of their status, strive to excel and perform their best. Our Indian domestic cricket is exceptionally competitive, so transitioning to the IPL didn't feel like a different league for us."
Shreyas Iyer's captaining approach and leadership
"I have seen Shreyas Iyer's captaincy up close, but his real greatness lies off the field. His attitude, the way he resounds in conversations, and his ability to maintain his composure under pressure are what make him such an incredible leader. He leads by example, showing that a captain's character and conduct echoes in the game."
Recalling his favorite innings in IPL 2025
"My favorite innings in IPL 2025 was against RCB and Rajasthan Royals. The RCB match was particularly tough, batting on a tricky wicket, carrying the weight of the team while dealing with mounting pressure, and finishing that game strongly was a memorable experience."
Interacting with Virat Kohli after the final
"I congratulated him after the final, and he met my family as well. He's a genuine guy and took the time to meet my parents and siblings, even managing to take a picture with them. It was a heartening moment knowing he values the importance of family."
Working with Ricky Ponting
"Ricky Ponting is an amazing coach with a unique ability to understand the pressures and emotions players face. He knows just the right words and approach to boost players' morale. He also established a bond with players by frequently inviting everyone out for dinner and taking care of them, which says much about his character."
T20 Cricket, a game for batters?
"I don't think the game is moving towards batters alone. We still have talented bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Krunal Pandya who consistently perform well. T20 cricket is all about self-belief and standing out, whether you're a batter or a bowler."
In the interview, Nehal Wadhera shared his love for the Indian cricket culture, "Indian domestic cricket is exceptionally competitive, so transitioning to the IPL didn't feel like a different league for us." Furthermore, he revealed a significant connection he made during the tournament, "Ricky Ponting is an amazing coach with a unique ability to understand the pressures and emotions players face." In an international sports environment like the IPL, Nehal found parallels with the rich culture of his home country, India.
