Punjab Kings, one of the founding franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL), continue their quest for a maiden title since their debut in 2008. Punjab have consistently struggled to find success in the league, only reaching the final once (in 2014) in their 17 attempts so far.
Last season was yet another disappointment as they finished ninth, just ahead of Mumbai Indians. However, the franchise has made significant changes in a bid to finally claim the coveted trophy.
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New captain, new beginning
The most notable change comes in the form of a new leader at the helm — Shreyas Iyer. Acquired for a staggering Rs 26.75 crore, Iyer takes over the captaincy after an impressive title-winning stint with Kolkata Knight Riders last season. His leadership qualities and proven record as a middle-order rock make him the ideal choice to spearhead Punjab’s campaign. Iyer’s presence in the batting lineup adds stability, while his ability to anchor and accelerate will be crucial for the team. They have also brought in Ricky Ponting as their new head coach.
Punjab Kings have chosen to hit the reset button by retaining only two players from the previous season — dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh and dependable all-rounder Shashank Singh. The franchise has assembled a balanced squad, blending explosive batting firepower with potent bowling resources.
Glenn Maxwell, brought back to Punjab after stints with other franchises, will add firepower to the middle order, while Josh Inglis, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter, will provide flexibility in the batting unit.
In the bowling department, Punjab boast one of the most well-rounded attacks in the league. Indian speedster Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace battery, joined by the express pace of Lockie Ferguson and the versatile Marco Jansen. The spin department is equally formidable, with veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar offering control and wicket-taking ability. All-rounders like Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai further strengthen the lineup, providing depth in both batting and bowling.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
- Balanced batting line-up: A strong combination of power hitters and technically sound batters.
- Leadership: Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy experience and calm demeanor, along with astute guidance from head coach Ricky Ponting.
- Potent bowling attack: The combination of Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson and Yuzvendra Chahal forms a formidable attack.
- All-round options: Players like Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai add depth in both departments.
Weaknesses:
- Top order inexperience: Indian-centric top order might struggle against quality opposition.
- Dependence on overseas all-rounders: Heavy reliance on Maxwell and Jansen for finishing duties.
Opportunities:
- A new era: With a revamped squad, Punjab Kings have a chance to shed their underdog tag.
- Break title drought: With a well-rounded squad, they are serious contenders for their maiden IPL title.
Threats:
- Lack of backup: Over-reliance on key players like Iyer and Maxwell could backfire if injuries occur.
- Lack of playoff experience: Few players in the squad have substantial playoff experience, which might hurt in crunch situations.
PBKS Best XI for IPL 2025: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar
Punjab Kings Squad for IPL 2025
- Batters: Shreyas Iyer (Capt), Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Harnoor Singh, Nehal Wadhera
- Wicket-keepers: Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod
- All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Marco Jansen, Glenn Maxwell, Musheer Khan, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge
- Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal, Praveen Dubey, Lockie Ferguson, Harpreet Brar, Kuldeep Sen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur
With a rejuvenated squad and an inspirational leader in Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings look poised to challenge for the IPL title. The balance between explosive batting and lethal bowling makes them a force to be reckoned with. If they can overcome the perennial inconsistency that has plagued them in past seasons, this could be the year they finally break their title drought.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.
