‘All negativity goes away if…’: Ricky Ponting reacts to social media backlash after PBKS slump

Ricky Ponting reacts to social media criticism (Image: PTI) Ricky Ponting has reacted strongly to the growing criticism and backlash on social media surrounding Punjab Kings’ dramatic collapse in IPL 2026, insisting that the negativity has not affected the team’s dressing room.Punjab Kings have started the new mega auction cycle in sensational fashion, winning six of their first seven matches to become one of the strongest teams in the tournament. However, their campaign has completely derailed since the end of April and PBKS now enter the crucial clash against Lucknow Super Giants on the back of a six-match winless streak.The franchise is currently fifth in the IPL 2026 points table with 13 points from 13 games, including one shutout against Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite the poor run, Punjab remains firmly in the playoffs thanks to a healthy net rate of +0.227. With competition for the final play-off spot intensifying against Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, PBKS now face a must-win scenario to revive their fading qualification hopes.Amidst the collapse of the team’s form, social media criticism intensified and the players, team management and franchise management came under severe scrutiny. However, Ponting dismissed the outside noise and stressed that the team remains fully focused on the turnaround.“There were no off-field things that I had to worry about as a coach. We have handled everything the way we need to as a team, there is so much social media that one small headline turns into a big story, but that doesn’t affect us. We know what we have to do as players to win cricket and we continue to do that,” Ponting told PTI.The former Australian captain also expressed his belief that the criticism will disappear if Punjab Kings manage to qualify for the playoffs.“If we qualify, all this negativity about us will disappear,” he added.Ponting urged his players to rediscover the fearless brand of cricket that made PBKS one of the most dangerous sides at the start of the season.“It’s quite simple for us. We have to go back to believing in how good we are and remember how we played in the first six or seven games of the season,” Ponting explained.“We have to hold on to those thoughts and memories instead of being afraid of failure or not being afraid of failing. At our best, we were the most fearless team in the tournament. We dared. That’s what I will talk about again and make sure we bring those things into the game against Lucknow,” he said.

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