When Punjab Kings (PBKS) named their retentions for the IPL 2025 season, most were shocked. They’d gone with just two players, both of whom were uncapped. They decided that Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, and Kagiso Rabada weren’t worthy enough to retain, and they’ll see what happens at the auction table. What was equally shocking was that Ashutosh Sharma wasn’t retained.
Ponting’s plan: Prabhsimran Singh over Ashutosh Sharma
It was unanimous that Ashutosh was PBKS’ best player alongside Shashank Singh last season. But he wasn’t retained. Instead, Prabhsimran Singh, their swashbuckling opener, was selected. No one really doubts Prabhsimran’s talent, but it’s that for most Ashutosh had had a bigger impact in IPL 2024. PBKS had revamped their support staff not too long ago, and it turned out that helped Prabhsimran get retained.
Ricky Ponting had become their head coach in September, and according to Prabhsimran, he’d wanted him at the Delhi Capitals (his previous franchise) for the last three years. So when the time came, he chose to retain the aggressive opener.
“I got a call from our coach, Ricky Ponting. He told me he was looking to trade me (from the Punjab Kings) to the Delhi Capitals for the last three years. He then told me that he was excited to work with me, and I told him I wanted to learn so much from him,” Prabhsimran told Sports Tak.
Prabhsimran wants to repay PBKS
Shown major faith, Prabhsimran Singh wants to repay the Punjab Kings. He made his aspirations for IPL 2025 clear. The opener wants to give the best start possible to the franchise and win matches for them. Of course, it goes without saying that he wants to help PBKS win their first IPL title as well.
“The franchise has shown so much faith that I would like to give the best start (in the powerplay) as possible and win matches on my own,” Prabhsimran added.
PBKS Retention List for IPL 2025
Retention No. 1 (Rs 5.50 crore): Shashank Singh (uncapped)
Retention No. 2 (Rs 4 crore): Prabhsimran Singh (uncapped)
Remaining Purse: Rs 110.50 crore
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