The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have undergone another significant overhaul during the IPL mega auction, but this time, the team looks stronger than ever, at least on paper. With a massive auction purse of Rs. 110.50 crore, PBKS strategically utilized their resources to build a competitive squad. Bringing in Australian legend Ricky Ponting ahead of the auction was a game-changing move, as his expertise played a crucial role in assembling a balanced team.
Punjab Kings spent Rs 18 crore each on Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, perhaps two of India’s top T20 bowlers. Glenn Maxwell was likewise a bargain at Rs. 4.20 crore. Led by Shreyas Iyer, who made headlines with his Rs. 26.75 crore price tag, PBKS showcased their ability to make bold, high-profile decisions.
STRENGTHS
Experienced Leadership: Shreyas Iyer is expected to lead Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, bringing his title-winning experience from captaining Kolkata Knight Riders last season. His familiarity with Ricky Ponting from their time together at Delhi Capitals adds to the team’s advantage, creating a captain-coach duo that is likely to work seamlessly.
Depth in Batting Line-up: The Punjab Kings boast an impressive and deep batting order. With Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis likely to open, Shreyas Iyer anchoring at number three, and power-hitters like Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell in the middle, the lineup looks formidable. Adding finishers like Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen strengthens their ability to post or chase high scores throughout the tournament.
WEAKNESSES
Inconsistency of Key Players: Punjab Kings will heavily rely on Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis to stabilize their middle order, but their inconsistent performances could be a major concern. Maxwell, despite being a proven match-winner, managed just 52 runs in 10 innings last season. Similarly, Marcus Stoinis, a crucial all-rounder, will need to step up to ensure the team’s success. Their form could determine how far PBKS progresses in the tournament.
Inexperienced Opening Pair: The likely opening duo of Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis brings uncertainty. While Prabhsimran has been with Punjab Kings for several seasons, his inconsistent batting has kept him out of the playing XI regularly. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis is yet to make his IPL debut, making this pair relatively untested on the big stage. This inexperience could be a vulnerability in high-pressure situations.
OPPORTUNITIES
Chasing the First IPL Title: Punjab Kings have been striving to win their maiden IPL title since the tournament’s inception. After reaching the finals in 2014 but falling short against KKR, the team now has a fresh, revamped squad and a new captain. This season offers them a golden opportunity to end their 17-year title drought.
Chance for Young Players to Shine: Young talents like Prabhsimran Singh, likely to open the innings, and Nehal Wadhera, expected to bat at number 5 or 6, have a great opportunity to prove their mettle. Regular chances in the playing XI could help them showcase their skills and secure their spots in the team.
THREATS
Lack of Left-Right Combination: With six out of their top seven batters being right-handed, Punjab Kings risk being one-dimensional in their batting approach. The absence of a balanced left-right combination could make it easier for opposition bowlers to settle into a rhythm.
Handling High-Pressure Situations: While the team has a strong squad on paper, several players are yet to prove themselves at the IPL level. Coupled with the pressure of big games, the inexperience of some players and the inconsistency of others could impact their performance in critical moments.
Punjab Kings Squad for the IPL 2025
Retained Players: Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh
Players Picked in the Auction: Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Josh Inglis, Suryansh Shedge, Marco Jansen, Aaron Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Praveen Dubey, Kuldeep Sen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson
Punjab Kings Probable XI and Impact Player for the IPL 2025
Probable starting XI: Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak (Impact).
CONCLUSION & RATING OUT OF 10
Punjab Kings enter IPL 2025 with a well-rounded squad, blending experienced match-winners like Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, and Yuzvendra Chahal with promising young talent such as Nehal Wadhera and Prabhsimran Singh. The addition of Ricky Ponting as head coach has brought a strategic edge, while their strong pace attack, featuring Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, and Lockie Ferguson, ensures they are equipped for various conditions. However, their reliance on inconsistent players like Maxwell and Stoinis and a lack of left-handed batters in the top order could prove challenging. With a history of underachievement, the team must step up in pressure situations to break their title drought.
Overall, Punjab Kings have a solid mix of experience, power, and potential, making them strong contenders this season.
RATING: 8/10