Ricky Ponting — Connolly and Owen front-runners to fill spot vacated by Josh Inglis

Punjab Kings (PBKS) enters the Indian Premier League (IPL) season without one of its unsung heroes from last campaign, Josh Inglis. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter played the role of an enforcer at No. 3 when called upon, providing lightning-quick starts even after an early dismissal.

While efficiently replacing Inglis – who has made a move to Lucknow Super Giants – is seen as a tough task, PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting insisted that there was a plethora of options to occupy the vacancy. Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Suryansh Shedge and Vishnu Vinod are in the running to take up that spot.

“Yeah, absolutely (on whether Connolly or Owen can be a like-for-like replacement for Inglis). We have got others as well who we can use up there. Suryansh might move up there and play a similar role. Someone like Vinod can play that role too,” Ponting said.

Who makes the cut could hinge on the conditions on offer. “I have seen Connolly and Owen be ultra-destructive at the top of the order for their respective BBL (Big Bash League) teams. It might even be down to how the pitch looks,” Ponting added.

“If there is a bit of grass and if there is good pace and bounce, it might be easier for the overseas guys. If the surface is a little drier and on the slower side, it might be easier for an Indian player. We have flexibility in our batting order.”

Only time will tell if it is a game of musical chairs.

Published on Mar 30, 2026