IPL 2025 Retention: Arshdeep in Talks as Sole Capped Player, PBKS to Choose 2 From 4 Uncapped Options

Arshdeep Singh reportedly in talks as the sole capped player retention as Punjab Kings are spoilt for choice in the uncapped category with the likes of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma being the favourites to be the two retentions.

Punjab Kings have always had a mare at the auctions, but the Punjab-based side will look to correct that in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction as they may end up retaining the fewest number of players compared to the other teams.

As the retention deadline day approaches, rumours have been doing the rounds about player retention, but one franchise has been under the radar. And that's PBKS, who may look for a complete revamp under new coach Ricky Ponting.

Although they have the option of retaining some big overseas names like Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza, Rilee Rossouw and Nathan Ellis, the franchise is expected to release all of them into the auction.

PBKS also has the option of Jitesh Sharma and Rahul Chahar as Indian capped retentions. The franchise, however, is inclining towards two uncapped retentions and Arshdeep as the lone capped retention if they can strike a deal with the Indian pacer.

When it comes to uncapped players, Punjab Kings may have a lot to pick from as they stepped up big time when the renowned names failed to deliver. Bairstow's century aside, none of the other capped stars made a telling contribution last season.

Who will Punjab Kings retain ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction?

It was the relatively unknown Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh, who dug the team out on several ocassions, while the likes of Prabhsimran Singh and Harpreet Brar also played key roles. So, PBKS is likely to retain 2 of these four players ahead of the auction.

Prabhsimran brings the additional skill of wicketkeeper, while Harpreet can bowl left-arm spin and add some runs batting lower down the order. The skill-set of these two players could fetch them big money if released into the auction. So, PBKS has a tough call to make.

Ashutosh and Shashank were very vital in the team's fight back last season and the duo will also garner big interest, making them the favourites for retention with Prabhsimran and Harpreet likely to be bought back in the auction.

Apart from the four aforementioned uncapped players, PBKS also will look to buy back some of their capped stars like Jitesh Sharma, Livingstone, Bairstow, Rabada, and even Arshdeep using the RTM card at the auction.