The IPL 2025 auction concluded last month and all the teams are looking very strong. However, we must agree that Punjab Kings have made one of the strongest teams for the IPL 2025 season. Without a doubt, they have acquired players like Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and some really impressive cricketing talent like Suryansh Shegde. While they no longer have Shikhar Dhawan or Jonny Bairstow in their squad, the team has placed their faith in Prabhsimran Singh to don the gloves this time. This year, the squad is filled with Aussies and Kiwis, and they are in a dilemma over who should open with Prabhsimran Singh in the upcoming season. Believe me, Marcus Stoinis could be one of the best bets to open the innings. Let’s take a look at the possible openers and who should open for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
Prabhsimran Singh
Over the past few years, Prabhsimran Singh has gained the trust of Punjab Kings. In 2024, he played innings where he scored 250 runs, and in 2023, he played 13 innings, scoring 316 runs while opening. He has a remarkable strike rate of 168, and in 2023, he scored a century. His consistent performance makes him the best option to open the innings, so he will be a key player in that role.
Jos Inglis
Many are speculating that Australian batter Jos Inglis will open the innings for Punjab Kings along with Prabhsimran Singh. Inglis has some solid stats over the years. Till 2022, he played as an opener, scoring 110 runs in three innings. In 2021, he played 23 T20 matches, scoring 78 runs with a strike rate of 162.4. Given his experience and strong performance, he is also a viable option to open.
Marcus Stoinis
Marcus Stoinis could be a surprising contender for opening the innings with Prabhsimran Singh. The Aussie batter has a history of opening in T20 cricket. In 2021, he played 14 T20 matches as an opener, scoring 369 runs, and in 2020, he played 19 innings, scoring 680 runs with a strike rate of 142.3. Based on his previous performances, he could be a strong surprise element for Punjab Kings.
Who should open with Prabhsimran Singh?
Before the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the equation seemed simple – Jos Inglis and Prabhsimran Singh would open the innings. However, the destruction caused by Suryansh Shegde in the tournament has completely changed the equation. The newbie, who is part of Punjab Kings this season, scored 71 runs with a strike rate of 273.1 in just 2 matches, delivering an impressive performance for Mumbai. Given that Punjab’s middle order is packed with big hitters like Glenn Maxwell, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, and Shashank Singh, it might be better to send Marcus Stoinis to open with Prabhsimran Singh. This would allow Suryansh to play in the middle order, and Punjab could also bring in an extra bowler, like Lockie Ferguson. Based on this equation, Marcus Stoinis should ideally open with Prabhsimran Singh in IPL 2025.