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Punjab Kings (PBKS) have built a strong squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 squad. They retained only two players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh and had a purse amount of INR 110.5 crore remaining ahead of the auction.
On D-day, PBKS splurged INR 110.15 crore to secure the services of 23 players and filled a maximum of 25 players required for each team. Their biggest purchase was Shreyas Iyer (INR 26.75 crore), followed by Yuzvendra Chahal (INR 18 crore) and Arshdeep Singh (INR 18 crore). Among other notable acquisitions for them were Australian all-rounders, Marcus Stoinis (INR 11 crore) and Glenn Maxwell (INR 4.2 crore).
On that note, let’s take a look at the best possible XI of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025.
1. Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
The right-handed opening batter slammed 334 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 156.80 for Punjab in the last season. As a result, he was one of the two retentions by the franchise. He will now look to provide a flying start to the team in the powerplay overs in 2025 and also don the gloves.
2. Marcus Stoinis
Marcus Stoinis could likely be opening for the side in the 2025 season. He has an experience of opening in the Big Bash League and found success in this role. In the last season, he smashed 388 runs for Lucknow Super Giants, while producing his best knock of 124* off 63 balls. He could be a lethal medium-pace bowling option as well, with 152 wickets in T20s.
3. Shreyas Iyer (c)
Shreyas Iyer will captain the Punjab Kings side in the IPL 2025 season. Under his leadership, Kolkata Knight Riders lifted the title in 2024. The right-hander has garnered 3,124 runs in 116 innings in the cash-rich league, and the pitch at the home venue will suit his playing style.
4. Glenn Maxwell
‘Big Show’ endured his best run in the IPL with the Punjab Kings in the last decade, scoring six fifties and helping them emerge as a runner-up in 2014. Now, back with the franchise in 2025, he will look to be potent with his ability to set the ground buzzing with counter-attacking shots. He can also be helpful with his spin bowling on rank turners.
5. Nehal Wadhera
In the last two years, the young left-hander has impressed the cricket fraternity with his ability to play important cameos for his sides. If given sufficient game time, Nehal Wadhera could prove to be a player, who can help the team maintain their tempo in the middle-overs.
6. Shashank Singh
The right-hander was sensational in IPL 2024, as he emerged as the top batter for PBKS with 354 runs at a strike rate of 164.65. He slammed 68* off 28 to help the side secure the biggest successful T20 chase of 262 against KKR. The right-hander would hope to justify the trust placed on him by PBKS by providing the side with a fine flourish in the death overs.
7. Marco Jansen
The South African all-rounder, Marco Jansen has proved his merit in the international cricket with his all-round performances. Along with providing a good finish, Jansen could be lethal in the powerplay overs due to his ability to swing the ball.
8. Yuzvendra Chahal
The highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 205 scalps, Yuzvendra Chahal will be one of the most important players of this side. The leg-spinner will look to open his pandora box and secure consistent breakthroughs and put a dent on the run-scoring of the opposition.
9. Harpreet Brar
Often touted as the part-timer, Harpreet Brar is known to be accurate with his line-lengths. In 41 games, he has picked up 25 wickets at an economy of 7.90. If given a longer run, the 29-year-old has the capability to rise high on the wickets column.
10. Arshdeep Singh
Arguably the finest bowler in the last two years in T20Is, Arshdeep Singh returned to Punjab Kings setup. He produced his best-ever season last year with PBKS, picking up 19 wickets in 14 games. He will be expected to take wickets upfront and also put a check on the batters with his toe-crushing yorkers in the death overs.
11. Lockie Ferguson
The Kiwi international, Lockie Ferguson will be a lone overseas bowler for PBKS in this line-up. He has scalped 194 wickets in 162 T20 games. With his deadly bouncer and slower balls, Ferguson will look to use his experience on doing well on a batting-assisting surface.
In need of injuries, below are a few probable players who could make the cut in case of injury concerns.
Josh Inglis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kuldeep Sen, Yash Thakur and Xavier Bartlett
FAQs
At which position did PBKS finish in IPL 2024?
PBKS ended the last season in ninth position, with five wins in 14 games.
Has Punjab Kings won IPL ever?
No, their best finish was in 2014, where he emerged as runner-up.
