IPL teams will fear the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the IPL 2025 auction. After all, the PBKS unit will enter the mega auction with a stupendous purse of Rs 110.50 crore, which is the obviously the biggest among all franchises. However, this also means another overhaul by PBKS, who have become accustomed doing this after every IPL cycle. But now, after toping in head coach Ricky Ponting, they would hope for much more settled seasons. And that will be dependent on how they utilize their money.
With the mega auction at just touching distance from us (November 24-25), we have made a “Dream XI” for the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Below, we have put the best possible combination that the PBKS could pick at the auction. While we know that no one can predict what happens at an IPL auction, it’s important to note that this is a purely speculative exercise. On that note, let’s hop into it!
PBKS: 1) Prabhsimran Singh
One of the only two retentions by the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Prabhsimran Singh has been entrusted by Ricky Ponting, who has been a huge admirer of the 24-year-old. His performances in 2023 and 2024 were filled with superb moments that made him a fan favorite. In IPL 2023, Prabhsimran amassed 358 runs, including a stunning century and at an impressive strike rate of 156.80. Prabhsimran’s form continued into the 2024 season, where he scored 334 runs, this time at an even higher strike rate of 156.80. One of his most memorable performances came during a historic game against KKR. In a high-stakes chase of 262, Prabhsimran smashed 54 runs off just 20 balls.
PBKS: 2) David Warner (O)
1,134 runs at an average of 49.3 and a SR of 144.27 – David Warner enjoys a stellar record against PBKS. Infact, he is the highest run-getter against them. So, why not have him in your team? Although he may be past his prime, Warner just loves batting in the IPL, where he has hammered 6,565 – the most by an overseas player in history.
PBKS: 3) Venkatesh Iyer
Here comes an interesting choice. Venkatesh Iyer fits in the PBKS mold, who like to have multi-faceted players. Although he has not bowled enough in the IPL, Iyer is a player with great potential. PBKS could benefit by using his cutters and medium pace bowling at the Mullanpur Stadium. In total, the ex-KKR player has played 51 IPL games, making 1326 runs at an average of over 31.
PBKS: 4) Rishabh Pant (WK) (C)
It won’t be a surprise if Rishabh Pant becomes the costliest player at the IPL 2025 Auction. And one team that can afford his high price is PBKS. They desperately need a face who can attract eyeballs, and become a synonymous figure with the franchise. Who else better than Pant? The lad would be firing to show his credentials as a T20 player and a skipper. In 197 T20 matches, Pant has made 4,889 runs at an impressive SR of almost 145.
PBKS: 5) Liam Livingstone (O)
Our second overseas pick is Liam Livingstone, who has been on a resurgent run. He was once dropped from the England team and now most recently even led the side in the absence of Jos Buttler. One of the member in the marquee list, Livingstone will bag some bids. PBKS should look to have him as he suits their template of hitting everything out of the park. Apart from his hitting, Livingstone has developed into a superb 3-4 over bowler too and can switch around between off-spin and leg-spin.
PBKS: 6) Shashank Singh
When the Punjab Kings (PBKS) bought Shashank Singh at the IPL 2024 auction, it was called a mistake. But what happened next shocked everyone. The uber talented cricketer from Chhattisgarh turned into Punjab Kings’ star player. He scored 423 runs, smashed 21 sixes, and hit 28 fours. These weren’t just numbers – they made him the team’s highest scorer at IPL 2024. His fearless batting made him stood out from the rest and Shashank would now look to build on his previous success.
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PBKS: 7) Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh Sharma emerged as a surprise package for PBKS with his explosive batting. He made his debut in a thrilling win over Gujarat Titans, scoring 31 runs off 17 deliveries to help his team chase down 200 runs. Ashutosh also impressed with a 61-run knock against Mumbai Indians, although PBKS ultimately fell short. In total, Ashutosh made 189 runs at an incredible SR of 167.26.
PBKS: 8) Marco Jansen (O)
A tall and talented fast bowler, Marco Jansen can extract extra bounce and swing from the Mullanpur and Dharamsala pitches. His ability to bowl at a good pace and take wickets with the new ball will do a world of good for PBKS, who like to have overseas left-arm pacers with them. Moreover, his recent heroics with the bat have further raised his attraction in the market, making him a perfect bridge between PBKS’ batting and bowling.
PBKS: 9) Kagiso Rabada (O)
It was a surprising move by PBKS when they released Kagiso Rabada. After all, he is one of the best all-format pacer in world currently and is also the fastest bowler to take 100 IPL wickets. Thus, they would love to rectify their mistake and bring back Rabada, albeit using RTM card. Rabada, who was always a gun Test bowler, has been phenomenal in T20s since some time now. In fact, has taken 30 wickets or more for every year since 2019. For PBKS, Rabada has taken 41 scalps in just 30 IPL games.
PBKS: 10) Arshdeep Singh
Another mistake that PBKS would want to undo is of Arshdeep Singh. It was surprising that the Punjab Kings (PBKS) released their star. While he would definitely go above Rs 15 crore, he could form the most lethal pace bowling partnership with Rabada and Jansen. IPL 2024 was quite superb for Arshdeep as he took 19 wickets at a bowling SR of 15.8. In fact, 2024 has been his best year ever – 55 wickets at 8.60 in just 32 T20 games.
PBKS: 11) Yuzvendra Chahal
Punjab Kings would love to have the ace spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal with them. Who wouldn’t want him? After all, he is the leading wicket-taker of the league, with 205 wickets at an incredible strike rate and economy rate of 17.17 and 7.84. Although he is touted for big bucks at IPL 2025 auction, this is fantasy booking nonetheless!
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Dream XI at IPL 2025 Auction
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