Last season, Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured just five wins in 14 games, ending the league in second-last place.
Table of Contents
Best Likely XII
- Prabhsimran Singh/Priyansh Arya
- Josh Inglis*
- Shreyas Iyer (capt)
- Glenn Maxwell*
- Azmatullah Omarzai/Marcus Stoinis*
- Shashank Singh
- Nehal Wadhera/Suryansh Shedge
- Marco Jansen*
- Harpreet Brar
- Yash Thakur
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
* denotes overseas player
Full Squad
Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Xavier Bartlett, Pravin Dubey, Lockie Ferguson, Musheer Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Suryansh Shedge, Harnoor Singh, Yash Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Vishnu Vinod
Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2025 Setup: Revamped Punjab Kings Eye Resurgence in IPL 2025
Punjab Kings are set for a fresh start in IPL 2025 with a new leader at the helm—Shreyas Iyer, who guided Kolkata Knight Riders to the title last season. Ricky Ponting, formerly with Delhi Capitals, takes over as head coach, signaling a major shift in the franchise’s approach. Retaining only Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh from the previous squad, they utilized the right-to-match card to bring back Arshdeep Singh for INR 18 crore at the mega auction.
Among the familiar faces in their revamped squad is Glenn Maxwell, who previously played for the team in two separate stints (2014-2017, 2020). Adding more Australian firepower, the Kings also roped in Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Xavier Bartlett. Their overseas all-rounder department features Maxwell, Stoinis, Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Marco Jansen. The bowling unit sees the arrival of Lockie Ferguson and experienced India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, complemented by Kuldeep Sen and Yash Thakur.
Punjab Kings have struggled to make an impact in the IPL, with their last playoff appearance dating back to 2014. Constant changes have been a hallmark of the franchise, evident in their staggering tally of 16 different captains. With IPL 2025 approaching, Iyer becomes the 17th to lead the side, as the Kings aim to end their decade-long wait for a top-four finish.
Heading into the auction, they retained only two uncapped players, leaving them with the largest budget among all teams. This financial advantage allowed them to make some of the most expensive buys, including Iyer for INR 26.75 crore—the second-costliest purchase in IPL history—alongside Chahal and Arshdeep for INR 18 crore each. Other key acquisitions included Stoinis (INR 11 crore), Jansen (INR 7 crore), Maxwell (INR 4.2 crore), and Nehal Wadhera (INR 4.2 crore), along with budget-friendly signings such as Inglis, Ferguson, Harpreet Brar, and Vijaykumar Vyshak.
PBKS have managed just two wins in 14 home games across Mohali, Mullanpur, and Dharamsala over the past two seasons—the worst record for any IPL team in this period. This year, they will play exclusively in Mullanpur and Dharamsala, making it essential to capitalize on home conditions as they push for their first playoff appearance since 2014.
Since finishing fifth in 2017, Punjab Kings have struggled to break into the top half of the table. Their performances in the last three seasons have been particularly disappointing, with eighth and ninth-place finishes in the last two campaigns, winning just 11 of their 28 matches. However, with Iyer, a proven leader fresh off title wins with both KKR and Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, along with Ponting’s guidance, the team looks to turn the tide. Backed by a balanced squad and experienced match-winners, Punjab Kings are aiming to rewrite their IPL story.
Watch Out For
Shreyas Iyer
It’s rare for a title-winning captain to be released ahead of the next season, but that was the case with Shreyas Iyer. While Kolkata Knight Riders initially showed interest in the auction, they didn’t go all the way, allowing PBKS to outbid Delhi Capitals and secure his services.
The former KKR skipper also led Mumbai to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy glory and will now aim to bring that winning touch to Punjab Kings in their quest for a maiden IPL title. Since March 2024, Iyer has lifted five trophies, including the IPL with KKR, alongside Mumbai’s triumphs in the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was also a key figure in India’s Champions Trophy-winning squad and heads into the IPL in outstanding form.
Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell last represented Punjab in 2020, having shared a rollercoaster journey with the franchise. Notably, the team’s last playoff appearance coincided with one of his best seasons, where he amassed over 500 runs at a blistering strike rate of 187.76.
Since the conclusion of the previous IPL, Maxwell has been in fine form, scoring nearly 700 runs in 22 T20 innings, averaging just under 40 with a strike rate close to 170.
Arshdeep Singh
Despite picking up 19 wickets, Arshdeep Singh struggled with accuracy in last year’s IPL.
However, he bounced back strongly, ending 2024 as the leading T20I wicket-taker with 36 scalps at an average of 15.31. Recently, he also surpassed Yuzvendra Chahal to become India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is.
Priyansh Arya
Priyansh Arya first made headlines by smashing six sixes in an over en route to a blistering 120 off 50 balls in the Delhi Premier League. His explosive performance triggered a bidding war at the auction, with PBKS securing him for INR 3.8 crore.
A powerful striker down the ground, the opening batter showcased his hitting prowess in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year, blasting 102 off 43 balls against Uttar Pradesh, including 10 sixes and five fours. He also finished as Delhi’s leading run-scorer in the tournament.
Suryansh Shedge
A rising talent in the domestic circuit, Suryansh Shedge showcased his finishing ability in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He often walked in during challenging situations and played a key role in Mumbai’s title-winning campaign.
In the final, he smashed three sixes and as many fours in a quickfire 15-ball knock. He could serve as an Impact Player option, strengthening PBKS’ lower order—a role Ashutosh Sharma fulfilled last season.
Concerns
Ferguson’s Availability Uncertain, Musheer Set for Return
Lockie Ferguson’s participation in the upcoming IPL season remains in doubt after he suffered a hamstring injury during the ILT20, which also ruled him out of New Zealand’s Champions Trophy campaign.
Meanwhile, young allrounder Musheer Khan is set for his first competitive tournament since sustaining a neck injury in a car accident in September 2024. Bought for INR 30 lakh at the auction, he has recently resumed training with the squad.
Fixture Challenges and Key Home Ground Stat
After facing Gujarat Titans in their season opener on March 25, Punjab Kings will have an early six-day break before playing their first home game on April 5—two weeks into the tournament. The schedule intensifies in mid-April, with the team playing two away and two home fixtures between April 12 and 18. Following that, their fixtures are more spaced out, culminating in three consecutive home games in Dharamsala before their final league match, an away clash in Jaipur.
14.28%—that’s Punjab Kings’ win percentage in home matches since 2023, the lowest among all IPL teams, with Rajasthan Royals’ 42.85% being the second lowest. Home advantage has eluded PBKS, having secured just one victory in five matches at Mullanpur while remaining winless in Dharamsala across four games. Can they finally reverse their fortunes?
Read More: IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview – Squad Analysis of RCB and Starting XII
FAQs
Why is Punjab Kings’ home record so poor in recent IPL seasons?
PBKS has won just two of their 14 home games across Mohali, Mullanpur, and Dharamsala in the last two seasons, the worst record for any team in this period.
How did Punjab Kings secure Shreyas Iyer for IPL 2025?
After releasing him, KKR bid for Iyer in the auction but couldn’t go all the way, allowing PBKS to outbid Delhi Capitals and sign the experienced batter.
Who are the key domestic talents in Punjab Kings’ squad?
Priyansh Arya, Suryansh Shedge, and Musheer Khan are exciting young players, with Arya making headlines for his six sixes in an over and Shedge showcasing his finishing skills.
What is Lockie Ferguson’s availability for IPL 2025?
Ferguson missed the Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury from ILT20, and his participation in the upcoming IPL season remains uncertain.
Can Punjab Kings finally qualify for the IPL playoffs?
PBKS hasn’t made the playoffs since 2014. With a revamped squad and key additions like Iyer and Maxwell, they’ll be eager to break the streak.
