The IPL 2025 mega auction on November 24 had its share of jaw-dropping moments, but none bigger than David Warner going unsold. Yes, somehow we got there—one of the most successful and consistent performers in IPL history failed to attract a single bid. For fans of the “pocket dynamo,” this was nothing short of shocking. Only Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and Rohit Sharma have mustered more IPL runs than Warner.
However, as the dust settles, one can’t help but imagine how Warner could’ve been the ideal signing for one team. That franchise has been at the receiving end of numerous times. In fact, from IPL 2015 to IPL 2020, Warner was on a spree and scored as many as 9 consecutive fifties against this opposition. We are obviously talking the Punjab Kings (PBKS), a franchise that went with an exorbitant purse of Rs 110.50 crore.
PBKS opening woes: David Warner the answer?
PBKS has struggled to find a stable opening pair for years. They were dependent on Shikhar Dhawan for most of the times but even he struggled with injuries. Currently, they have only one dependable opener in the form of Prabhsimran Singh, who was one of their two uncapped retentions. While Prabhsimran is a talented youngster, having an experienced campaigner like Warner alongside him could’ve made a world of difference. Warner’s presence would’ve allowed Prabhsimran to play with freedom, knowing that the veteran was holding fort at the other end.
The alternative options for PBKS’ opening slot are underwhelming. Josh Inglis, though a capable batter, remains untested in the high-pressure environment of the IPL. The addition of Warner, with his wealth of experience and proven record, could’ve added much-needed stability and firepower to the top order.
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Warner-Ponting partnership would’ve continued
Another reason Warner would’ve thrived at PBKS is the presence of Ricky Ponting as the new head coach. The camaraderie between these two Australian stalwarts is well known. Ponting’s tactical acumen combined with Warner’s aggressive mindset could’ve brought a fresh dynamic to PBKS’ campaign. With five Australian players already in their squad, Warner would’ve seamlessly fit into the team environment.
In hindsight, letting Warner go unsold seems like a missed opportunity for PBKS. He could’ve addressed multiple issues – from solving their opening conundrum to providing mentorship to younger players. While the IPL is unpredictable, and squads evolve over time, Warner at PBKS feels like a partnership that should’ve happened but didn’t.
David Warner IPL stats
| Year | Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
| Career | 184 | 6565 | 126 | 40.52 | 139.77 | 4 | 62 | 663 | 236 |
| 2024 | 8 | 168 | 52 | 21 | 134.4 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 10 |
| 2023 | 14 | 516 | 86 | 36.86 | 131.63 | 0 | 6 | 69 | 10 |
| 2022 | 12 | 432 | 92* | 48 | 150.52 | 0 | 5 | 52 | 15 |
| 2021 | 8 | 195 | 57 | 24.37 | 107.73 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 6 |
| 2020 | 16 | 548 | 85* | 39.14 | 134.64 | 0 | 4 | 52 | 14 |
| 2019 | 12 | 692 | 100* | 69.2 | 143.86 | 1 | 8 | 57 | 21 |
| 2017 | 14 | 641 | 126 | 58.27 | 141.81 | 1 | 4 | 63 | 26 |
| 2016 | 17 | 848 | 93* | 60.57 | 151.42 | 0 | 9 | 88 | 31 |
| 2015 | 14 | 562 | 91 | 43.23 | 156.54 | 0 | 7 | 65 | 21 |
| 2014 | 14 | 528 | 90 | 48 | 140.8 | 0 | 6 | 39 | 24 |
| 2013 | 16 | 410 | 77 | 31.53 | 126.93 | 0 | 4 | 41 | 14 |
| 2012 | 8 | 256 | 109* | 36.57 | 164.1 | 1 | 1 | 28 | 14 |
| 2011 | 13 | 324 | 77 | 24.92 | 117.39 | 0 | 3 | 34 | 11 |
| 2010 | 11 | 282 | 107* | 28.2 | 147.64 | 1 | 1 | 27 | 14 |
| 2009 | 7 | 163 | 51 | 23.29 | 123.48 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 5 |
