A franchise that walked into the auction with the highest purse, Punjab Kings would be looking at the new season with fresh hope. It’s a team that has come to be known for its inconsistency in the IPL. Despite a couple of good seasons, back in 2008 and 2014, their trophy cabinet remains empty. But the 2025 mega auction brought new energy into the squad with big names, bold buys and a shift in strategy.
PBKS picked former KKR captain Shreyas Iyer to lead the charge. With a formidable pace attack and an exciting mix of youth and experience, the franchise looks ready to challenge the status quo. Here’s a detailed SWOT analysis of PBKS heading into IPL 2025:
Strengths
PBKS spent the highest amount of money in securing their captain, Iyer, for a whopping Rs 26.75 cr, while also buying back their pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh for Rs 18 cr.
With Arshdeep, Marco Jansen and Lockie Ferguson leading the pace attack, the franchise has a threatening line-up. Arshdeep’s swing, Jansen’s all-round ability and Ferguson’s raw pace give them an edge, especially on seaming tracks.
PBKS also added all-rounders to the mix, with Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai joining the ranks. Along with an already formidable bowling line-up, Maxwell and Stoinis can change the game, both with the bat and ball.
The franchise also boasts a young talent pool with Nehal Wadhera, Yash Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar and others who have performed well in the domestic circuit.
Weaknesses
Although PBKS have a strong top order with Iyer, Prabsimran Singh and Josh Inglis’ explosive batting, the middle and lower order doesn’t seem to keep up. Apart from Maxwell and Stoinis, there aren’t many proven performers who can handle pressure at the death.
In the spin department, Yuzi Chahal will naturally lead the attack, but without quality back-ups. While Harpreet Brar and Maxwell can chip in, they are part timers. This over reliance on Chahal can go sideways at any given point.
Opportunities
With Ricky Ponting joining as head coach, it could just be the change that the team is looking for. Ponting’s winning mentality can help PBKS establish a strong culture and a kind of consistency that they’ve lacked for years.
Players like Priyansh Arya (Delhi Premier League star), Suryansh Shedge (SMAT performer) and Musheer Khan have the potential to become household names if backed properly. The franchise has an opportunity to unearth new Indian stars this season.
Threats
Despite strong signings, PBKS’s biggest threat remains their tendency to falter mid-season. The pressure of living up to expectations, especially with a new high-priced captain, could derail their campaign if early results don’t go their way.
PBKS have started off strong with a few high-profile signings, but will they be able to live up to expectations? With a high priced-captain, and a team that tends to slip mid-season, will they be able to turn the tide?
On the other hand, they are quite dependent on overseas players. Maxwell, Stoinis, Jansen and Ferguson are crucial to the balance of this side. If form or injuries affect any of these players, Punjab’s campaign could suffer due to limited back-up options.
If we look back at this franchise’s history, this is perhaps one of their most balanced sides in a long time — there is firepower in the top order, a formidable pace line-up and some promising young talents. The leadership of Iyer and Ponting’s experience could be the missing pieces they’ve been searching for.
Squad
Shreyas Iyer (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Kuldeep Sen, Suryansh Shedge, Lockie Ferguson, Vishnu Vinod, Harnoor Pannu, Aaron Hardie, Yuzvendra Chahal, , Marcus Stoinis, Musheer Khan, Nehal Wadhera, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Josh Inglis, Priyansh Arya, Marco Jansen, Yash Thakur, Glenn Maxwell, Pyla Avinash, Xavier Bartlett, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh.
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