Prabhsimran Singh Credits Ponting, Yuvraj Influence as He Eyes Next Step in Career

Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh has steadily evolved into one of India’s promising young talents since joining the franchise in 2019, with his breakthrough performance in the previous Indian Premier League (IPL) season marking a turning point in his career.

The 25-year-old delivered a standout campaign last year, scoring 549 runs as PBKS narrowly missed out on securing their maiden IPL title. Reflecting on his growth, Prabhsimran credited head coach Ricky Ponting for instilling confidence and backing him during crucial phases.

Speaking during a media interaction, he highlighted Ponting’s early support, particularly during the mega auction, when both he and a fellow teammate were retained. “That conversation made it clear that he had belief in me, and once he joined the team, my performances improved significantly,” Prabhsimran noted.

Carrying forward his momentum into the 2026 season, Prabhsimran has made a steady start with impactful contributions against top sides. Ponting, in turn, remains optimistic about the young batter’s continued progress.

Clarity in role has also played a key part in his development. Following the appointment of Shreyas Iyer as PBKS captain, Prabhsimran said he was encouraged to play with freedom and was entrusted with greater responsibility within the squad. “He asked me to express myself and made it clear that I was being viewed as a senior player,” he said.

Now more focused than ever, Prabhsimran emphasised his intent to convert promising starts into match-winning performances rather than settling for modest scores. “Earlier, I often got out in the 30s and 40s. Now, my focus is on batting longer and making a bigger impact for the team,” he explained, underlining the team-first approach adopted in the dressing room.

His off-season training with former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has also contributed to refining his power-hitting abilities. “Practising in different scenarios—whether it’s hitting sixes, batting deep, or facing varied conditions—helps build overall technique,” he said.

While his batting has drawn attention, Prabhsimran has equally prioritised improving his wicketkeeping, drawing inspiration from legendary India captain MS Dhoni. “I don’t try to copy anyone’s batting style, but when it comes to keeping, Dhoni’s quick hands have always inspired me,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, the next milestone for Prabhsimran is a place in the Indian national team—a goal he acknowledges will require consistent excellence amid intense competition. “There’s a lot of competition, and you have to keep improving. If you perform consistently, opportunities will come,” he said.

With strong domestic performances and India A exposure bringing him closer to the national setup, Prabhsimran remains determined to elevate his game further and seize the opportunities ahead.