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Punjab Kings (PBKS): Chasing Glory in 2025

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Bhavesh Tikyani

Editorial Team

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Punjab Kings (PBKS): Chasing Glory in 2025

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are a franchise cricket team based in Mohali, Punjab, competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Established in 2008 as Kings XI Punjab, they rebranded to Punjab Kings in 2021. Despite reaching the IPL final in 2014, the team is yet to secure its maiden championship title.

Team Overview:

  • Captain: Shreyas Iyer

  • Head Coach: Ricky Ponting

  • Home Ground: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Mohali

2025 Squad Highlights:

PBKS assembled a formidable squad for the 2025 season, blending experienced international stars with promising domestic talents. Notable acquisitions include:

  • Shreyas Iyer: Acquired for ₹26.75 crore, appointed as captain.

  • Glenn Maxwell: Dynamic Australian all-rounder, known for his explosive batting and off-spin bowling.

  • Marcus Stoinis: Versatile Australian all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball.

  • Yuzvendra Chahal: Experienced Indian leg-spinner, adding depth to the bowling attack.

  • Marco Jansen: Tall South African fast-bowling all-rounder, providing pace and bounce.

Emerging Talent:

Uncapped Indian players have made significant impacts this season:

  • Priyansh Arya: Scored a sensational 103 off 42 balls against Chennai Super Kings, marking the joint-fourth fastest century in IPL history.

Recent Performance:

As of April 10, 2025, PBKS has shown a competitive edge in the tournament. In their recent match against Chennai Super Kings, PBKS secured an 18-run victory, with Priyansh Arya's century being a standout performance. 

With a balanced squad and strategic leadership, Punjab Kings aim to clinch their first IPL title in the 2025 season.

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) were launched in 2008 as one of the original franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

They were initially known as Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and rebranded to Punjab Kings in 2021 to give the team a fresh identity and outlook.

Sure! Here’s a blog post on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the 2025 IPL season:


Punjab Kings (PBKS): Chasing Glory in 2025

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been a part of the IPL since its inception in 2008. Known for their explosive batting and passionate fan base, PBKS has always been a team full of promise. Despite making it to the final in 2014, they have yet to capture the coveted IPL trophy. However, the 2025 season has brought a new wave of optimism with a refreshed squad, new leadership, and some big-ticket buys at the auction.


Team Overview: The Evolution of Punjab Kings

  • Founded: 2008

  • Rebranded as Punjab Kings (PBKS): 2021

  • Home Ground: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Mohali

  • Captain: Shreyas Iyer

  • Head Coach: Ricky Ponting

Despite some ups and downs, PBKS has always been a competitive force in the IPL, and 2025 looks promising for the team. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and with guidance from coach Ricky Ponting, the team has made some calculated changes in the squad that could potentially turn the tide in their favor.


The 2025 PBKS Squad: A Perfect Mix of Youth and Experience

PBKS has worked hard to put together a balanced squad for the 2025 IPL season, combining seasoned international players with emerging domestic talent. The additions to the team in the 2025 auction are expected to play key roles in their pursuit of the IPL title.

Key Players to Watch

  1. Shreyas Iyer (Captain) – ₹26.75 Crore
    🔹 The backbone of PBKS’ middle order, Iyer brings composure and leadership. Appointed as captain, his batting prowess and tactical skills are key assets for PBKS.

  2. Glenn Maxwell – ₹13 Crore
    🔹 The explosive Australian all-rounder will add depth to both batting and bowling. Maxwell's ability to turn games with his dynamic batting makes him a valuable player in pressure situations.

  3. Marcus Stoinis – ₹12 Crore
    🔹 A hard-hitting all-rounder, Stoinis’ contribution with both bat and ball will be vital for PBKS. His big-hitting ability in the death overs makes him a potential match-winner.

  4. Yuzvendra Chahal – ₹9 Crore
    🔹 India’s premier leg-spinner will bolster the bowling attack. Chahal's experience and knack for picking wickets in crucial moments will be invaluable.

  5. Marco Jansen – ₹8.75 Crore
    🔹 The towering South African all-rounder will add pace to the PBKS attack. His height and bounce are a great asset in the fast, bouncy conditions of Mohali.


Emerging Talent

  • Priyansh Arya
    🔹 A young sensation, Arya’s explosive century against Chennai Super Kings was one of the highlights of the season. His 103 off 42 balls made him one of the most exciting players to watch this year.


Recent Performance: Signs of Promise

PBKS started the 2025 season with a strong performance, and as of April 10, 2025, they are showing signs of returning to their competitive best. In a thrilling encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), PBKS secured an 18-run victory, largely thanks to Priyansh Arya's spectacular century.

This victory helped bolster the team’s confidence, and PBKS has shown they are a team capable of performing under pressure. The combination of experienced players like Maxwell and Iyer with rising stars like Arya is beginning to bear fruit.


Can PBKS Win the IPL 2025?

The Punjab Kings have always been an unpredictable team, capable of pulling off exciting performances but lacking consistency at times. However, the 2025 squad seems to have the right balance—experienced internationals, young talents, and a captain who can lead from the front.

With key players in form and a strategic leadership structure under Shreyas Iyer, PBKS is definitely one of the teams to watch in 2025. Their explosive batting lineup, combined with a strong bowling attack, makes them a contender for the IPL title. Can they finally break their title drought? Time will tell, but PBKS is certainly on the right track.

Here’s a balanced take on the Pros and Cons of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 season:

Here are the best and most expensive players that Punjab Kings (PBKS) have bought for the IPL 2025 season:


Most Expensive Player (2025 Auction)

  1. Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 Crore
    🔹 One of the costliest buys in IPL history
    🔹 Appointed captain of PBKS
    🔹 Brings stability to the batting order and leadership to the squad


Other Star Players Bought

  1. Glenn Maxwell
    🔹 Explosive middle-order batter
    🔹 Offers valuable spin bowling
    🔹 A match-winner on his day

  2. Marcus Stoinis
    🔹 Australian all-rounder
    🔹 Power-hitter and reliable bowler in pressure situations

  3. Yuzvendra Chahal
    🔹 Veteran Indian leg-spinner
    🔹 Key weapon in middle overs

  4. Marco Jansen
    🔹 South African pace-bowling all-rounder
    🔹 Adds bounce and left-arm variety to the bowling attack


Breakout Talent

  • Priyansh Arya
    🔹 Uncapped Indian batter
    🔹 Scored a 103 off 42 balls vs CSK — one of the fastest IPL centuries ever
    🔹 A new star in the making


These players form the core of PBKS’s 2025 campaign, offering a mix of firepower, flexibility, and experience. Let me know if you'd like this in a table or graphic style too!

Pros of PBKS

  1. Powerful Batting Lineup

    • With players like Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and rising star Priyansh Arya, PBKS has the firepower to post or chase down big scores.

  2. Strong All-Rounders

    • Stoinis and Jansen provide flexibility and balance to the playing XI.

  3. Experienced Leadership

    • Ricky Ponting as coach and Shreyas Iyer as captain bring experience, clarity, and calmness to decision-making.

  4. Young Talent Shining

    • Uncapped talents like Priyansh Arya are showing star potential, giving the team an edge.

  5. Spin Attack Depth

    • Yuzvendra Chahal adds variety and experience in the middle overs.


Cons of PBKS

  1. Inconsistent Past Performances

    • Despite good squads over the years, PBKS has often failed to capitalize when it mattered most.

  2. Bowling Under Pressure

    • While their attack has promise, they’ve struggled to consistently defend totals or contain runs in death overs.

  3. Heavy Dependence on Overseas Players

    • Over-reliance on foreign stars can create imbalance if they underperform or miss games.

  4. Injury-Prone Players

    • Some key players (like Maxwell and Stoinis) have a history of fitness concerns.

  5. Lack of IPL Titles

    • Despite being one of the oldest teams, they’re yet to win an IPL trophy, which can impact morale in crunch moments.


Conclusion

The Punjab Kings have stepped into IPL 2025 with renewed determination, smart leadership, and a well-balanced squad. With Shreyas Iyer’s composed captaincy, the explosive talent of Maxwell and Stoinis, and the rise of young guns like Priyansh Arya, PBKS is no longer just a team with potential — they’re serious title contenders.

While the journey hasn’t always been easy, the 2025 season feels different. This is a team that’s learning from the past, playing fearless cricket, and has the right mix of youth and experience to finally bring home the IPL trophy.


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