The Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), is one of the most followed franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite being part of the league since its inception in 2008, the team has struggled to clinch an IPL title, with only one final appearance in 2014. As the 2025 season approaches, fans are eager to see if the revamped squad, led by captain Shreyas Iyer and coached by the legendary Ricky Ponting, can turn their fortunes around.
This article provides a detailed overview of the Punjab Kings’ squad, ownership, home ground, past performances, highs and lows, and expectations for the 2025 season.
Punjab Kings: Team Overview (2025)
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer
- Head Coach: Ricky Ponting
- Home Ground: PCA New Stadium, Mullanpur, Mohali
- IPL Titles: 0
- Owners: KPH Dream Cricket Private Ltd (Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta, Karan Paul)
The Punjab Kings were acquired for ₹304 crore (approx. $76 million) in 2008, making them one of the moderately priced franchises at the time. Only the Rajasthan Royals (₹268 crore) and Kolkata Knight Riders (₹300 crore) were bought for less.
Ahead of the 2021 season, the franchise rebranded from Kings XI Punjab to Punjab Kings, signaling a fresh start. However, success has remained elusive, with the team failing to make a significant impact in recent seasons.
Punjab Kings Squad (2025)
The 2025 squad features a mix of experienced international stars and promising young Indian talent. Here’s the complete roster:
Batsmen & All-Rounders:
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Glenn Maxwell (Overseas)
- Marcus Stoinis (Overseas)
- Musheer Khan
- Nehal Wadhera
- Priyansh Arya
- Suryansh Shedge
- Harnoor Singh
- Shashank Singh
Wicketkeepers:
- Josh Inglis (Overseas)
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Vishnu Vinod
Bowlers:
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harpreet Brar
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Lockie Ferguson (Overseas)
- Marco Jansen (Overseas)
- Kuldeep Sen
- Yash Thakur
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
- Xavier Bartlett (Overseas)
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Overseas)
Key Players to Watch in 2025:
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain) – A dynamic middle-order batsman with leadership experience.
- Glenn Maxwell – Known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin.
- Yuzvendra Chahal – A seasoned leg-spinner who can control the middle overs.
- Arshdeep Singh – A rising star in India’s fast-bowling department.
- Marcus Stoinis – A powerful all-rounder who can change the game with bat and ball.
Punjab Kings’ Journey in the IPL: A Historical Perspective
Early Years (2008-2013): A Promising Start but Inconsistent Performances
The Punjab Kings had a decent start in the inaugural IPL season (2008), finishing third. However, inconsistency plagued them in the following years.
In 2010, the team faced a major setback when the IPL governing council expelled them (along with Rajasthan Royals) over ownership disputes. Although they were reinstated after legal battles, the uncertainty affected their 2011 auction strategy, where they failed to retain any players.
2014: The Golden Year – Near Glory
Under the leadership of George Bailey and coaching of Sanjay Bangar, Punjab had their best season in 2014.
- Glenn Maxwell (Player of the Tournament) and David Miller were in sensational form.
- The team topped the league stage with 11 wins in 14 matches.
- They scored 199 in the final but narrowly lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Despite the heartbreak, this remains Punjab’s most successful campaign.
Downfall (2015-2020): Struggles and Wooden Spoons
After their 2014 high, Punjab suffered a dramatic slump:
- 2015 & 2016: Finished last (wooden spooners).
- 2017-2019: Mid-table finishes with no playoff appearances.
- 2020: Despite having stars like KL Rahul and Chris Gayle, they narrowly missed the playoffs.
Rebuilding Phase (2021-Present)
- 2021: Rebranded as Punjab Kings but finished sixth.
- 2022: Mayank Agarwal took over as captain but failed to deliver.
- 2023: Shikhar Dhawan led the team, but inconsistency continued.
- 2024: Another disappointing season with early elimination.
Now, with Shreyas Iyer at the helm and Ricky Ponting as coach, the franchise hopes for a turnaround in 2025.
Punjab Kings’ Highs and Lows
Highs:
✅ 2014 Season – Dominated the league stage and reached the final.
✅ Explosive Batting Performances – Maxwell, Miller, and Rahul have played some unforgettable innings.
✅ Emergence of Young Talent – Players like Arshdeep Singh and Prabhsimran Singh have risen through the ranks.
Lows:
❌ Three Wooden Spoons (2010, 2015, 2016) – Among the worst phases in the team’s history.
❌ Ownership Controversies (2010) – Disrupted team stability.
❌ Playoff Drought (2015-2024) – No playoff appearances in nearly a decade.
Expectations for the 2025 Season
With a strong squad and new leadership, Punjab Kings fans are hopeful for a better season. Key factors that could influence their performance:
1. Strong Leadership – Shreyas Iyer & Ricky Ponting
- Iyer’s aggressive captaincy and Ponting’s tactical expertise could bring much-needed stability.
2. Balanced Squad
- A mix of power hitters (Maxwell, Stoinis), reliable spinners (Chahal, Brar), and lethal pacers (Arshdeep, Ferguson).
3. Home Advantage – PCA New Stadium, Mullanpur
- The newly adopted home ground could play to their strengths with favorable pitch conditions.
4. Key Players in Form
- If Maxwell, Iyer, and Chahal perform consistently, Punjab could be serious contenders.
Conclusion: Can Punjab Kings Finally Win the IPL in 2025?
The Punjab Kings have long been the “underachievers” of the IPL. Despite having star players over the years, they have failed to lift the trophy. However, with a fresh leadership duo of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting, along with a well-balanced squad, the 2025 season could be their best chance yet.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see if this is finally the year Punjab breaks their title drought or if they will continue their trend of near-misses. One thing is certain – the Punjab Kings will enter IPL 2025 with renewed hope and ambition.
Will Punjab Kings rise to the occasion in 2025? Only time will tell! 🏏🔥
