Can Punjab Kings Win IPL 2025? Punjab Kings (PBKS) have struggled for consistency in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with their last playoff appearance coming in 2014 when they finished as runners-up. With a new captain in Shreyas Iyer, an experienced coach in Ricky Ponting, and a revamped squad, the question remains—can PBKS finally break their title drought in 2025?

A New Era: Iyer and Ponting Take Charge

PBKS had a disappointing IPL 2024, finishing ninth out of ten teams with only five wins in 14 games. This prompted a massive squad overhaul, retaining just two players—Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh—while bringing back Arshdeep Singh (₹18 Cr) via the Right to Match (RTM) card.

The franchise has placed its faith in Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 Cr) as captain. Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title last year and has an impressive leadership record. Ricky Ponting, former Delhi Capitals coach, has also been roped in, bringing his aggressive coaching philosophy.

Ponting on PBKS’ future: “We are not going to sit back and just accept mediocrity.”

Squad Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses

Batting Firepower

PBKS has bolstered its batting with a mix of experienced internationals and young domestic talents:

• Shreyas Iyer will anchor the innings and provide leadership.
• Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis add firepower in the middle overs.
• Josh Inglis provides a dynamic wicketkeeping option.
• Priyansh Arya, a young sensation, hit six sixes in an over in the Delhi Premier League.

All-Round Balance

The team is loaded with all-rounders, which provides flexibility:

• Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, and Marcus Stoinis can contribute with both bat and ball.
• Suryansh Shedge, a promising domestic finisher, could be a game-changer in the lower order.

Bowling Attack

PBKS has assembled a strong bowling unit, with a mix of pace and spin:

• Arshdeep Singh leads the pace attack, looking to improve after a mixed 2024 season.
• Lockie Ferguson (if fit) provides raw pace alongside Marco Jansen.
• Yuzvendra Chahal, a proven match-winner, will control the middle overs.
• Harpreet Brar offers a dependable spin option.

Challenges PBKS Must Overcome

1. Poor Home Record

PBKS has won only two out of their last 14 home matches, the worst home record in the IPL over the past two seasons. This year, they will play at Mullanpur and Dharamsala, and must find ways to use these conditions to their advantage.

2. Team Chemistry

With a heavily reshuffled squad, it is crucial for PBKS to find the right team balance quickly. Shreyas Iyer’s ability to unite the squad will be tested.

3. Injury Concerns

• Lockie Ferguson is recovering from a hamstring injury and may miss part of the season.
• Musheer Khan, picked for ₹30 lakh, is returning from a neck injury after a car accident.

PBKS Likely Playing XI for IPL 2025

1. Prabhsimran Singh/Priyansh Arya | 2. Josh Inglis | 3. Shreyas Iyer (C) | 4. Glenn Maxwell | 5. Azmatullah Omarzai/Marcus Stoinis | 6. Shashank Singh | 7. Nehal Wadhera/Suryansh Shedge | 8. Marco Jansen | 9. Yuzvendra Chahal | 10. Yash Thakur | 11. Arshdeep Singh |

(* denotes overseas player)

PBKS IPL Squad 2025

Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vishnu Vinod, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Harnoor Pannu, Kuldeep Sen, Priyansh Arya, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, Pyla Avinash, Praveen Dubey, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh.

PBKS IPL Performance Over the Years

PBKS has never won an IPL title and has not reached the playoffs since 2014. Can they change history in 2025?

Can Punjab Kings Win IPL 2025?

PBKS has one of its strongest squads in years. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, Ricky Ponting’s coaching expertise, and a well-balanced team give them a fighting chance.

However, their poor home record, lack of team chemistry, and injury concerns could hinder their progress. If they can address these issues and perform consistently, PBKS might finally end their title drought. Otherwise, it could be another season of unmet expectations.

Verdict: A playoff spot is possible, but a title win will require overcoming historical struggles and playing at their best.

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