Ahmedabad (Gujarat), India – On March 24, ANI reported that Brad Haddin, who serves as an assistant coach for Punjab Kings, disclosed that the team is currently assessing various possibilities regarding their opening duo before they kick off their Indian Premier League campaign.

PBKS plans to start its Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with their opening game against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 25. With the players taking the field, anticipation amongst supporters is intense, and hopes are soaring for an impressive tournament this year.

With Ricky Ponting as mentor and Shreyas Iyer at the helm, Punjab Kings aim to make a significant impact this season. Before their opening game, assistant coach Brad Hadden spoke to the media, offering glimpses of how the squad has been preparing.

“The main emphasis for us since arriving has been preparing our players for the upcoming season. Our time in Dharamsala was productive; we gained valuable insights into many of our Indian players. Their potential excites us greatly—these athletes will undoubtedly form a courageous cricket squad,” Haddin stated at a pre-match press briefing in March.

Given the fast bowling prowess of speedsters Kagiso Rabada and Mohammad Siraj at the forefront of the Titans’ assault, Haddin commented on the Kings’ opening pair during their inaugural game of the season.

“We are not sure who opens yet. We have got guys like Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis who have done it well in the past as well. So we have to make sure that we get the right combination.”

He mentioned that the squad includes players for all required positions.

“We aim to ensure that they exhibit courageous cricket and perform according to the circumstances presented before them. This is an entirely new team. We have acquired players for each required role who possess the ability to adjust their gameplay across various positions. In my opinion, we boast extensive experience throughout our lineup,” stated Haddin.

The Punjab Kings’ assistant coach commended the squad’s camaraderie, attributing it to their leader, Captain Shreyas Iyer.

“The culture stems largely from our leadership. Our highly motivated captain, Shreyas Iyer, has achieved significant success in this particular form of cricket. His ability to unite the team has been crucial. Both the coaching staff and players share similar goals and mindsets. We’re a close-knit unit, all thanks to the high standards and routines established by our leader,” he concluded. (ANI)