Nehal Wadhera endured a challenging IPL 2026 season with Punjab Kings, scoring just 65 runs across eight matches. The 25-year-old batter's form dipped significantly compared to his previous campaign, when he accumulated 369 runs in 16 games during IPL 2025. This sharp contrast highlighted the difficulties he faced in the latest edition of the tournament.
During this difficult period, Wadhera found crucial support from head coach Ricky Ponting, who personally intervened to restore the batter's confidence. Ponting approached Wadhera directly and offered reassurance about his role within the squad, recognising the impact of the lean run on his mindset.
"He was the first person to come to that player. Even though I wasn't doing well this season, he came up to me himself, and I was really disappointed. I was talking to him, and he was like, 'You are our senior player, we back you, and you just have to express yourself, enjoy yourself,'" Wadhera was quoted as saying by Rediff.
Wadhera reflected on how such encouragement from a figure of Ponting's stature made a tangible difference to his mental approach during the difficult stretch.
How Ponting's personal backing helped Wadhera during his lean run
Wadhera emphasised that being part of an environment where the coaching staff and senior players actively support younger cricketers creates a culture of continuous improvement. He explained that such backing motivates players to push themselves and raise their standards across the squad. The batter highlighted how Ponting's approach fosters an encouraging atmosphere that extends beyond individual performance struggles.
Beyond Ponting's direct intervention, Wadhera acknowledged the broader influence of Punjab Kings' support structure. Captain Shreyas Iyer, assistant coach Brad Haddin, bowling coach James Hopes, and teammates including Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya and Shashank Singh all contributed to fostering a positive environment within the franchise. This collective backing from experienced figures helped Wadhera navigate the challenges of a difficult season.
"So if you're surrounded by such people around you like Ricky Ponting, Shreyas Iyer, Brad Haddin, and then we have James Hopes, the coaching staff, then all the players, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran, Priyansh, Shashank, you feel really motivated to do well for the IPL, for the country," he said.
Wadhera's association with Punjab Kings began when Mumbai released him before the 2025 mega auction. He entered the bidding process with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, attracting interest from multiple franchises including Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. Punjab Kings ultimately secured his services for Rs 4.20 crore, bringing him into their squad for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
The contrast between Wadhera's performances in the two seasons underscored the volatility of form in franchise cricket. His 369 runs in 16 games during IPL 2025 demonstrated his capability as a batter, while his 65 runs in eight games in IPL 2026 reflected the pressures and challenges he faced. Despite the difficult 2026 campaign, Wadhera's willingness to acknowledge the support he received from Ponting and the broader Punjab Kings setup suggested a focus on learning and moving forward.