Priyanka Tiwari
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Punjab Kings (PBKS) are heading into IPL 2025 with a new approach, seeking a long-awaited turnaround. The franchise, known for frequent leadership changes, is set to appoint its 17th captain since the league’s inception. After failing to make the playoffs since their runner-up finish in 2014, PBKS have made significant changes, including acquiring Shreyas Iyer, last season’s title-winning captain, and bringing in Ricky Ponting as head coach.
Strategic Retentions and Smart Auction Buys
Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, PBKS made a bold move by retaining only two uncapped players—Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. This decision left them with the largest purse among all teams, enabling them to make impactful signings. The franchise made history by acquiring Shreyas Iyer for INR 26.75 crore, the second-highest bid in IPL history. Other key additions included:
- Arshdeep Singh (INR 18 crore)
- Yuzvendra Chahal (INR 18 crore)
- Marcus Stoinis (INR 11 crore)
- Marco Jansen (INR 7 crore)
- Glenn Maxwell (INR 4.2 crore)
- Nehal Wadhera (INR 4.2 crore)
Additionally, Punjab Kings strengthened their squad with several valuable picks such as Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, Harpreet Brar, and Vijaykumar Vyshak, ensuring a well-rounded team across all departments.
Aiming for Stability with a Proven Leader
PBKS have struggled for consistency in the last decade, with their best finish being fifth place in 2017. The 2022-24 cycle was particularly disappointing, as they ended eighth and ninth in the last two seasons, with 17 losses in 28 matches. However, the arrival of Shreyas Iyer as captain offers renewed hope. Fresh off title wins with Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL) and Mumbai (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy), Iyer brings leadership experience and a winning mentality. His past association with head coach Ricky Ponting further strengthens the team’s tactical approach.
Punjab Kings Full Squad for IPL 2025
- Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Xavier Bartlett, Pravin Dubey, Lockie Ferguson, Musheer Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Suryansh Shedge, Harnoor Singh, Yash Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Vishnu Vinod
Best Probable Playing XI for IPL 2025
- Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Marcus Stoinis, Shreyas Iyer (C), Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera/Suryansh Shedge, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Injury and Availability Concerns
- Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a foot injury sustained during a warm-up match. He was flown back to New Zealand for rehabilitation. Earlier in ILT20, he had also suffered a hamstring injury, raising concerns over his fitness for the IPL season.
Key Players to Watch in IPL 2025
Shreyas Iyer – The Captain with a Point to Prove
Shreyas Iyer finds himself in an unusual situation—despite leading KKR to the IPL title, he was released before the auction. PBKS outbid Delhi Capitals and KKR to secure him as their new captain. With a history of success in both IPL and domestic cricket, Iyer will be eager to guide Punjab Kings to their first-ever IPL title.
Glenn Maxwell – The Potential Game-Changer
Glenn Maxwell has had a love-hate relationship with Punjab Kings, but his past performances with the franchise were instrumental in their success. The last time PBKS made the playoffs (2014), Maxwell was among their standout performers, scoring over 500 runs at a strike rate of 187.76. In his last 22 T20 innings post-IPL 2024, he has accumulated nearly 700 runs at an average of 40, striking at close to 170. If he rediscovers his best form, Maxwell could be a major asset.
IPL 2025 Schedule and Fixture Highlights for PBKS
- March 25 – Opening game against Gujarat Titans
- April 5 – First home game, nearly two weeks into the season
- April 12-18 – A busy phase with two home and two away matches
- Final League Matches – PBKS will shift to Dharamsala for their last three home games, followed by an away match in Jaipur.
Home Ground Performance – A Stat to Watch
- Punjab Kings have the lowest home win percentage (14.28%) since 2023, with Rajasthan Royals being the second-lowest at 42.85%.
- PBKS have won just one match out of five in Mullanpur and remain winless in Dharamsala after four matches since 2023.
Can Punjab Kings Finally Break the Cycle?
With a revamped squad, a proven leader in Shreyas Iyer, and a seasoned coach in Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings have all the ingredients to challenge for the title. However, their historical inconsistency and home-ground struggles remain concerns. If they can overcome these hurdles, IPL 2025 could be the season where PBKS finally turn their fortunes around.
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