The IPL is known for its competitive nature, where teams are constantly evolving to stay relevant and perform at their peak. As the 2025 IPL mega auction approaches, the spotlight turns to the players whose performances in recent seasons may not have met expectations, leaving their future in the tournament uncertain.
The Punjab Kings (PBKS), a franchise known for its ups and downs, is no exception. In this article, we look at three Punjab Kings players who might go unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
1. Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan, hailed as a power-hitter and a potential finisher, had shown glimpses of his talent in the domestic circuit and was expected to be a vital cog in the Punjab Kings’ lower middle order.
Despite being retained and given several opportunities in the IPL, Shahrukh has struggled to deliver consistently. His inability to handle pressure and finish games has become a concern for the team.
In the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons, Shahrukh’s strike rate in the death overs has been underwhelming, and his shot selection has often been questionable.
With the emergence of younger and more consistent finishers, Shahrukh Khan’s place in the squad could be at risk. If his form continues to dip, he may find himself unsold in the 2025 auction, as franchises will look for players who can contribute reliably in crucial moments.
2. Harpreet Brar
Harpreet Brar was once considered a promising all-rounder for Punjab Kings, especially after his breakthrough performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021.
However, since then, his impact with both bat and ball has been inconsistent. As a left-arm spinner, Harpreet’s economy rate has not been effective enough to contain opposition batters, especially on flat pitches that are common in the IPL.
In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Harpreet’s bowling average and wicket-taking ability have taken a dip, and his contributions with the bat have been minimal. In an era where teams are prioritizing specialist spinners or all-rounders with more dynamic skill sets, Harpreet might struggle to find takers in the 2025 mega auction unless he drastically improves his form.
3. Rishi Dhawan
Rishi Dhawan is another all-rounder whose stock has declined in recent IPL seasons. Known for his utility with both bat and ball in domestic cricket, Dhawan has failed to replicate that form consistently in the IPL.
His medium pace has been largely ineffective, and his batting performances have not added much value to the Punjab Kings lineup.
Despite being a veteran of the domestic circuit, Rishi Dhawan has found it difficult to make a lasting impact in the IPL. His economy rate with the ball has been a concern, and with teams increasingly looking for more dynamic all-rounders who can bowl at higher speeds or provide more explosive batting options, Dhawan’s chances of being picked in the 2025 auction look slim.
As the IPL 2025 mega auction draws closer, Punjab Kings, like other franchises, will be reevaluating their squad and making tough decisions about which players to retain.
Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, and Rishi Dhawan, despite their potential and past performances, have struggled to deliver consistently, putting their future in the league at risk. Unless they can turn things around in the coming months, these players might find themselves unsold when the hammer falls at the auction.
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