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Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Pyla Avinash, the all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh, recalled how he used to get inspired by watching Ricky Ponting’s batting videos on YouTube, especially his trademark pull shot, as he gets ready to play under the Aussies' coaching for the Punjab Kings in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

"He is a legend. I used to watch Ricky Ponting's batting videos where he would play the pull shot to get inspired. He has played some great knocks in his career, and I am looking forward to working with him," said Avinash in a release issued by the franchise on Thursday.

Hailing from the city of Visakhapatnam, Avinash picked up a cricket bat at the young age of 13 and found inspiration in his brother to take up the sport seriously. “My brother started playing cricket first, and looking at him, I began playing as well. He played in the U-19 and U-23 Andhra Pradesh teams, and he became my inspiration. Seeing him work hard every day motivated me to do the same," he said.