The IPL 2025 auction proved to be a transformative event for Punjab Kings (PBKS), who went all-in to secure a robust squad. Acquiring a total of 23 players over two days, PBKS made headlines with their ₹26.75 crore signing of India’s star batter Shreyas Iyer. The franchise also used the Right-to-Match (RTM) option to retain their premier pacer Arshdeep Singh, while strengthening their bowling attack with the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Glenn Maxwell.
Here’s a detailed analysis of Punjab Kings’ squad, auction strategy, and prospects for the upcoming IPL season.
PBKS IPL 2025 Squad: Full List
Retained Players
- Shashank Singh (₹5.5 crore): A dependable domestic all-rounder.
- Prabhsimran Singh (₹4 crore): A talented wicketkeeper-batter with explosive potential.
New Signings
- Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore): A world-class Indian batter and potential captain.
- Arshdeep Singh (₹18 crore, RTM): A death-over specialist and one of India’s top pacers.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (₹18 crore): A seasoned leg-spinner with an impeccable IPL record.
- Marcus Stoinis (₹11 crore): An Australian all-rounder with match-winning abilities.
- Glenn Maxwell (₹4.20 crore): A destructive middle-order batter and part-time off-spinner.
- Nehal Wadhera (₹4.20 crore): A promising young batter with solid technique.
- Harpreet Brar (₹1.50 crore): A reliable spin-bowling all-rounder.
- Vishnu Vinod (₹95 lakh): A wicketkeeper-batter for backup strength.
- Vijaykumar Vyshak (₹1.80 crore): A rising Indian pacer with good control.
- Yash Thakur (₹1.60 crore): A young pacer with potential.
- Marco Jansen (₹7 crore): A towering South African left-arm pacer who adds variety.
- Josh Inglis (₹2.60 crore): An Australian wicketkeeper-batter known for his attacking style.
- Lockie Ferguson (₹2 crore): A New Zealand pacer with express pace and accuracy.
- Azmatullah Omarzai (₹2.40 crore): An Afghan all-rounder who adds balance.
- Harnoor Pannu (₹30 lakh): A promising domestic batter.
- Kuldeep Sen (₹80 lakh): A pacer with IPL experience.
- Priyansh Arya (₹3.80 crore): A young talent with a reputation for consistency.
- Aaron Hardie (₹1.25 crore): An Australian all-rounder with power-hitting capabilities.
- Musheer Khan (₹30 lakh): A domestic player with potential.
- Suryansh Shedge (₹30 lakh): Another promising domestic all-rounder.
- Xavier Bartlett (₹80 lakh): A lesser-known overseas pacer with promise.
- Pyla Avinash (₹30 lakh): A domestic bowler.
- Pravin Dubey (₹30 lakh): A leg-spinner adding depth.
Key Highlights of PBKS Auction Strategy
1. Investing in Leadership and Experience
The acquisition of Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore underscores PBKS’s intent to secure a leader who can stabilize their batting lineup and guide the team to consistent performances. Iyer’s experience and calm demeanor make him an ideal candidate to lead the squad.
2. Retaining a Strong Bowling Core
PBKS prioritized retaining Arshdeep Singh, using the RTM option to keep their ace bowler. Alongside Arshdeep, Yuzvendra Chahal and Lockie Ferguson bring experience, while Marco Jansen adds a left-arm angle to the attack. The inclusion of Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Sen ensures a strong domestic pace backup.
3. All-Round Options Galore
PBKS bolstered their all-round department with Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Aaron Hardie. These players provide depth in both batting and bowling, ensuring flexibility in team combinations.
4. Building a Young Domestic Core
The franchise has invested in emerging talents like Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, and Harpreet Brar. These players not only provide bench strength but also promise to deliver consistent performances in the long run.
Star Signings: Impact Players for PBKS
1. Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore)
Iyer’s inclusion adds stability to the PBKS batting lineup. Known for his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed, Iyer is expected to be the backbone of the team’s batting order. His leadership qualities further enhance his value.
2. Arshdeep Singh (₹18 crore, RTM)
Arshdeep’s expertise in death overs and ability to handle pressure situations make him an indispensable part of the squad. His consistency and skill with the ball are crucial for PBKS’s success.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal (₹18 crore)
Chahal’s wicket-taking ability in the middle overs makes him a match-winner. His experience in IPL and international cricket adds depth to PBKS’s spin department.
4. Marcus Stoinis (₹11 crore)
Stoinis’s all-round abilities make him a versatile player who can perform in multiple roles. His power-hitting and ability to bowl key overs make him a valuable asset.
5. Glenn Maxwell (₹4.20 crore)
Maxwell’s experience and explosive batting can turn games around. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a strategic addition to the squad.
Strengths of PBKS’s Squad Post-Auction
1. Well-Balanced Lineup
PBKS has a strong mix of batters, bowlers, and all-rounders, ensuring a well-rounded team. The batting lineup, led by Shreyas Iyer and Glenn Maxwell, has depth and firepower.
2. Diverse Bowling Attack
The bowling unit boasts variety, with Arshdeep’s accuracy, Ferguson’s pace, Chahal’s spin, and Jansen’s left-arm angle. This versatility allows PBKS to adapt to different conditions.
3. All-Round Depth
With players like Stoinis, Maxwell, and Hardie, PBKS has multiple all-rounders who can balance the team in both batting and bowling departments.
4. Promising Domestic Talent
PBKS’s investment in young players like Priyansh Arya and Nehal Wadhera reflects their focus on nurturing future stars.
Challenges and Weaknesses
1. Dependence on Key Players
PBKS’s success heavily relies on the form of Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Injuries or dips in form for these players could impact the team’s performance.
2. Unproven Finishers
While the squad has explosive batters, it lacks a proven finisher who can consistently close out games under pressure.
3. Lack of a Backup Leader
While Iyer is an excellent leader, PBKS lacks a clear backup captain in case of injury or unavailability.
Predicted Playing XI for PBKS in IPL 2025
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Prabhsimran Singh (WK)
- Marcus Stoinis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Nehal Wadhera
- Harpreet Brar
- Arshdeep Singh
- Marco Jansen
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Lockie Ferguson
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
Conclusion
Punjab Kings have emerged from the IPL 2025 auction with a squad that boasts depth, balance, and match-winning potential. The addition of Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal has significantly strengthened the team, while the inclusion of all-rounders like Maxwell and Stoinis provides flexibility.
While challenges such as dependence on key players and a lack of proven finishers remain, PBKS has the tools to mount a serious title challenge this season. With a mix of experience and youth, the franchise looks well-prepared to make a strong impact in IPL 2025.
