IPL 2026: Ricky Ponting's laughing reaction after KL Rahul wicket goes viral during PBKS vs DC match - WATCH
Punjab Kings posted a formidable 210/5 against Delhi Capitals, with KL Rahul's early dismissal by Arshdeep Singh drawing a jubilant reaction from coach Ricky Ponting. Despite Priyansh Arya's explosive start, Delhi's bowlers fought back. Shreyas Iyer anchored Punjab's innings with a half-century, setting a challenging target.
NEW DELHI: Not just Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer and the Punjab Kings players knew the importance of dismissing KL Rahul early, but head coach Ricky Ponting too looked delighted after the crucial breakthrough during the IPL 2026 clash in Dharamsala. After Punjab Kings posted a mammoth 210/5 in 20 overs, Arshdeep Singh struck early by removing KL Rahul cheaply for just nine runs. The celebrations from the pacer and his teammates reflected how significant the wicket was in the context of the match.
When the camera turned towards the Punjab Kings dugout, Ponting’s reaction was caught on camera as the former Australia captain burst into laughter while celebrating Rahul’s dismissal. Arshdeep bowled a length delivery on middle and leg, with Rahul attempting to whip it away. However, the batter only managed a leading edge, sending the ball high into the air.
Marco Jansen moved swiftly, slid underneath it and completed a superb catch. Earlier, Priyansh Arya smashed six towering sixes during his whirlwind 33-ball 56 before Delhi Capitals pacers adjusted their lengths to restrict Punjab Kings to 210/5. Delhi Capitals, fighting to stay alive in the tournament, opted to field first after making five changes to their playing XI for the first game of the season at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
The high altitude in Dharamsala once again aided stroke-making, and the effect was immediately visible against Mitchell Starc, who endured an expensive outing. Priyansh tore into the veteran left-arm pacer in an over that leaked 22 runs, including sixes square of the wicket on both sides. The left-hander not only launched Starc for a six off the very first ball of the innings but also attacked Lungi Ngidi and Mukesh Kumar with fearless intent.