Can revamped PBKS end playoff drought in IPL 2025? Analysis
What's the story
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been a constant in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since the beginning. However, despite never missing out on the tournament, the franchise has only made it to the playoffs twice - in 2008 and 2014. Under new leadership with Shreyas Iyer at the helm and Ricky Ponting as head coach, PBKS will hope for a change in fortunes. Let's analyze PBKS's squad for IPL 2025.
Leadership change
Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting: New leadership duo
After a turbulent 2024 season, the Punjab Kings have appointed Iyer as their new captain for IPL 2025. Under his guidance, the team hopes to break its playoff drought. Joining him is former Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting, who has been brought in to steer the franchise toward success. This dynamic duo hopes to bring a fresh perspective and strategy to PBKS's game plan for the upcoming season.
Team restructuring
PBKS's strategy in IPL 2025 auction
Ahead of IPL 2025, PBKS took a strategic approach at the auction. Retaining uncapped players Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, the team had a budget of ₹112 crore, the biggest at the bidding event. They made some big investments by buying Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal at ₹18 crore each. These acquisitions are sure to strengthen the team's performance in the next season.
Team enhancement
Strengthening all-round department with new signings
The Punjab Kings have bolstered their all-round department massively by signing Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, and Azmatullah Omarzai. These additions are likely to take the team's performance to the next level in IPL 2025. The franchise has also added young talent to its ranks, making them a team to watch out for this season. PBKS' batting line-up looks pretty potent with the likes of Iyer, Maxwell, Stoinis, and Josh Inglis featuring in the top six.
Weaknesses
Lack of options in spin bowling
PBKS's spin department looks pretty bleak. Barring Chahal, the franchise lacks a commendable second spinner. Though Harpreet Brar can deliver economical spells, his wicket-taking ability has been questioned. The team does have some notable overseas pacers. However, Arshdeep Singh is their only major recruit among Indian pacers. Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Sen, and Vijaykumar Vyshak are the other Indian fast bowlers in the team.
Squad overview
PBKS's full squad for IPL 2025
PBKS squad: Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Glenn Maxwell, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Harpreet Brar, Vishnu Vinod, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Josh Inglis, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Pyla Avinash, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Harnoor Pannu, Aaron Hardie, Priyansh Arya, Azmatullah Omarzai. The diverse lineup features a mix of experience and youth ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season.
Player focus
Key players to watch in IPL 2025
As the IPL 2025 season nears, a few players will be instrumental for Punjab Kings. Iyer's captaincy will be important as he attempts to take a third different team to the IPL final. The leading wicket-taker in IPL history, Chahal is another player who could heavily influence PBKS's campaign this season. Pacer Arshdeep and veteran Australian all-rounders Maxwell and Stoinis are the other players to watch out for.
Information
Here is PBKS' strongest XI
PBKS' strongest XI for IPL 2025:Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Upcoming matches
IPL 2025: Punjab Kings's schedule
Punjab Kings will start their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 25 at Narendra Modi Stadium. Other key fixtures include matches against Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 8 and April 15 respectively. The league stage of the tournament will end with a match against Rajasthan Royals on May 16 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.