It’s a sinking-ship situation for PBKS, a team that entered the IPL with so much promise but has gradually been overshadowed by better-managed and more impressive teams. However, things seem more composed now. Before the IPL 2025 auction, the team made bold decisions, releasing several players and entering the auction with a hefty budget to acquire big names who they hope will perform for PBKS in the upcoming season.
Amid the current circumstances, they still need a captain. However, they do have some strong options for the leadership role. See three players who look like real contenders for PBKS captaincy in IPL 2025.
Players who can captain Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025
Shreyas Iyer
Possibly the best candidate to captain PBKS, and a well-known name, Shreyas Iyer, was in contention right from the moment he joined the team. As the second most expensive player in IPL history, PBKS acquired him by paying a significant amount. Iyer has already proven his leadership skills, leading KKR to the IPL trophy in 2024. Recently, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he captained Mumbai and guided them to victory, showcasing his natural captaincy abilities.
Iyer has led in 70 IPL matches so far, securing 40 wins and losing 29, making him a seasoned and successful leader in the league.
Glenn Maxwell
A debatable choice, Glenn Maxwell, could also emerge as a surprise contender for PBKS captaincy. Maxwell, who has rejoined PBKS, carries mostly fond memories of his time with the team, particularly during the 2014 IPL season when he was at the peak of his form, scoring 552 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 187.75. However, his performance dipped in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, leading to his release by the team.
Despite not being at his absolute best in recent years, Maxwell remains one of the most explosive hitters in the T20 format and is an asset to any team. Moreover, his calm demeanour and ability to handle pressure situations make him a strong contender for the captaincy role.
Marcus Stoinis
Last but not least, another Australian, Marcus Stoinis, could also be in contention for the PBKS captaincy. It came as a shock to many when LSG released him, as he was a crucial part of their setup. Now, with Stoinis all set to represent PBKS, he brings massive value to the table with his sheer all rounder quality.
Having played 96 IPL games, Stoinis possesses significant experience in the league. This could be the perfect opportunity for him to capitalize on that experience by taking on the captaincy role at PBKS. There’s no harm in considering him for the leadership role, as he now seems ready to step up. It will be interesting to see how things unfold for him in the upcoming IPL season.