The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are one of the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams that have yet to claim the coveted title. As they head into the IPL 2025 mega auction, PBKS is making strategic moves to reshape their squad and potentially secure their maiden IPL title. With significant changes in the roster, big-name releases, and a refreshed coaching staff led by Ricky Ponting, PBKS is set for a new beginning.
Understanding Punjab Kings’ Retention Strategy
The franchise retained only two players: uncapped talents Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. These young players bring fresh potential, and their retention signals a new strategy focused on developing emerging talent.
The decision to retain Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh is a notable departure from previous years, showing a commitment to younger, lesser-known players. By focusing on these promising players, PBKS is looking to nurture homegrown talent for the future.
PBKS made the surprising decision to release star players like Harshal Patel, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone. Letting go of these players opens new possibilities but also leaves gaps that PBKS will need to address during the auction.
PBKS New Faces for a New Era
The appointment of Ricky Ponting as head coach brings a new era for PBKS. Ponting’s experience with Delhi Capitals has prepared him to take on this challenge, and his leadership could be the missing piece PBKS needs to elevate their performance.
Retaining Brad Haddin as batting and wicketkeeping coach and Sunil Joshi as spin bowling coach provides continuity in training, supporting Ponting’s new direction with familiar guidance for the players.
James Hope’s addition as a fast bowling coach strengthens PBKS’ bowling coaching lineup. His experience could be instrumental in developing PBKS’ fast bowlers, especially with the loss of Rabada.
Key Players Punjab Might Target in the Auction
PBKS might focus on acquiring Indian players with a strong domestic performance track record. This approach would add depth to the team and provide reliable backups for key positions.
PBKS could also target a few high-impact international players, particularly in areas weakened by recent releases, such as pace bowling and the all-rounder position.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Remaining Purse for IPL 2025 Auction
INR 110.5 crore
Punjab Kings Retained Players for IPL 2025
| PLAYER | ROLE | PRICE |
| Shashank Singh | All-rounder | 5.5 crore |
| Prabhsimran Singh | Wicketkeeper-batter | 4 crore |
Punjab Kings Released Players
| PLAYER | ROLE |
| Sam Curran | All-rounder |
| Liam Livingstone | All-rounder |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler |
| Shikhar Dhawan | Batter |
| Rilee Rossouw | Batter |
| Jonny Bairstow | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Rahul Chahar | Bowler |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler |
| Harpreet Brar | All-rounder |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler |
| Rishi Dhawan | All-rounder |
| Sikandar Raza | All-rounder |
Harpreet Singh | Batter |
| Atharva Taide | All-rounder |
| Vidwath Kaverappa | Bowler |
| Shivam Singh | All-rounder |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Harshal Patel | Bowler |
| Chris Woakes | All-rounder |
| Ashutosh Sharma | All-rounder |
Vishwanath Pratap Singh | All-rounder |
Tanay Thyagarajan | All-rounder |
Prince Choudhary | Bowler |
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