Talking on JioStar, Pathan identified that Delhi struggled with expertise identification throughout the early 2010s, which hindered their progress.“Once I was in Delhi, Eric Simmons, who’s now with CSK because the bowling coach, was the coach, and there was an effort to deliver stability. However whenever you let go of gamers like AB de Villiers, and you’ve got Andre Russell, ranging from scratch shouldn’t be simple. I performed alongside Russell in the identical dressing room, and there have been a whole lot of discussions about giving him extra alternatives, however they only could not discover a place for him persistently within the XI. So, identification of expertise is essential, and I really feel Delhi used to fall brief in that space,” Pathan stated.Punjab, however, have proven indicators of progress in current seasons. Forward of IPL 2025, the franchise made vital modifications by appointing Australian nice Ricky Ponting as head coach and signing Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore. The staff loved a robust marketing campaign and reached the ultimate earlier than falling brief towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Pathan credited Punjab’s improved management and strategic planning for his or her resurgence.“Management has performed an enormous position in Punjab’s turnaround. You win half the IPL on the public sale desk. Large purses do not essentially imply you’ll at all times get what you need, however they did, and so they reached the ultimate. Even within the mini-auction, they took daring however necessary calls, like letting go of gamers who weren’t performing, equivalent to Glenn Maxwell,” he defined.He additionally referred to the state of affairs involving Josh Inglis, noting how circumstances impacted their plans.“They have been a bit unlucky with the Josh Inglis state of affairs, given he would miss many of the season, however then you definately see one other staff going after him for an enormous value. In that respect, they’re making a whole lot of the fitting selections,” Pathan added.One other key enchancment, in line with Pathan, has been Punjab’s deal with strengthening their squad depth.“Take a look at the backup gamers. Prior to now, Punjab struggled with that when the main target was completely on constructing the primary XI, however now you see all-rounders like Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen and Marcus Stoinis, together with a younger Indian batting core. Aside from that, they went all-out for Shreyas Iyer after deciding he could be the Captain. So, there may be readability of thought, and I really feel Punjab have began to maneuver in the fitting path,” he concluded.As IPL 2026 approaches, each Delhi and Punjab shall be aiming to lastly break their title drought, armed with classes from the previous and renewed optimism for the longer term.