Ricky Ponting’s Shocking Call Leaves Marcus Stoinis Devastated Before PBKS vs KKR Clash
What a twist just before the big IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. All eyes were on the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, but what stole the spotlight wasn’t just the match—it was a moment of heartbreak delivered by none other than PBKS coach Ricky Ponting to Marcus Stoinis.
Right before the game, cameras caught a surprising and emotional scene. Stoinis, geared up with gloves and bat, stood stunned as Ponting delivered what was clearly bad news. Moments later, it was confirmed—Stoinis was dropped from the playing XI. That’s right. Despite being fully fit, the Aussie all-rounder was left out, and the expression on his face said it all: absolute disbelief.
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Commentator Pommie Mbangwa, observing from the box, summed it up perfectly: “This looks like the decision was taken right here at the ground. Horrible news.” It wasn’t just Mbangwa—Simon Doull, former New Zealand cricketer, was equally stunned. “Is he injured?” he questioned. “If not, that’s astounding.” And Doull has a point. Stoinis might not have had the most impactful season—59 runs from five games and no wickets—but he did show a flash of brilliance in the last match, where he scored a quick 30 towards the end.
So, why was he benched? There’s speculation that it was a tactical decision. With a left-heavy KKR batting lineup featuring Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh, PBKS may have leaned on Glenn Maxwell for his off-spin. But even that move seems questionable, considering Maxwell hasn’t exactly been in top form either.
At the toss, Shreyas Iyer announced two changes: Josh Inglis and Xavier Bartlett made their IPL debuts. But the biggest buzz remained around Stoinis, whose sudden exclusion left fans and pundits puzzled.
Ricky Ponting has always been known for making bold calls, but this one hit hard. Stoinis looked completely shattered, and rightfully so. Being sidelined minutes before a high-voltage game—especially when you’ve geared up and are ready to go—is a bitter pill to swallow.
Only time will tell if this decision pays off for PBKS. But in the moment, it was a painful reminder of how unpredictable and, at times, ruthless the world of professional cricket can be.
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