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Punjab Kings (PBKS) are a team steeped in IPL lore, but unfortunately, not for the right reasons. Despite boasting talented squads over the years, they’ve only managed to qualify for the playoffs twice in the tournament’s history, with the last appearance dating back to 2014. Every year, it seems they undergo a complete overhaul, sweeping away coaches, captains, and players in a constant search for the elusive winning formula. But could IPL 2025 be the year they finally get it right?
According to cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle, the management is strategically aiming to replicate the success Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer had together at Delhi Capitals. With a strong focus on both leadership and talent acquisition in the recent auction, have they assembled a squad c💛apable of making a deep run?
Strengths and weaknesses: A balancing act
Bhogle highlighted that the Punjab Kings have made “excellent bowling choices” and acquired some “very good overseas players.” However, he points out a potential weakness: a relative lack of experienced Indian batting talent. This puts extra pressure on Shreyas Iyer to anಞchor the 𓃲innings and guide the younger batters.
The opening pair, while talented, lacks proven experience at the highest level. The middle order boasts explosive potential with players like Glenn Maxwell and Azmatullah Omarzai, but consistency will be key.
The X-factor: Ricky Ponting-Shreyas Iyer partnership
The success of Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 hinges significantly on the dynamic between head coach Ponting and Iyer. The management is clearly hoping they can recreate the magic they had together at Delhi Capitals. Ponting’s strong leadership and Iyer’s ability to connect with players will be crucial in forging a cohesive unit.
Impact sub & Overseas contingency
Bhogle also touched upon the strategic use of the “Impact Player” rule. He suggested that Punjab Kings could utilize someone like Suryansh Shedge or the more qualified Nehal Wadhera aꦬs an impact substitute, allowing th♛e rest of the batting order to move up a spot.
The availability of Lockie Ferguson is also a key factor. If Ferguson is fit, he can form a potent bowling attack alongside Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen, supplemented by the spin of Harpreet Brar and Yuzvendra Chahal. The inclusion of Jansen and Ferguson leaves only two slot𓆉s for other overseas playe⛦rs from the likes of Maxwell and Omarzai, and PBKS will need to pick the right combination.
Also READ: KKR CEO Venky Mysore reveals reasons behind pic💃king Ajinkya Rahane as captain over Venkatesh Iyer𝐆 for IPL 2025
A team that can trouble anyone
Bhogle believed that this Punjab Kings squad has the potential to “trouble everybody” if everything clicks into place. The key lies in Ponting and Iyer’s ability to break the jinx and get the team to play as a unit that is greater than the sum of its parts. If they can achieve that, Punjab Kings could finally be a force to be reckoned with in IPL 2025.
Harsha Bhogle’s predicted Punjab Kings lineup
Prabhsi𝓰mran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Glenn Maxwell/ Marcus Stonis, Azmat🥀ullah Omarzai, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
