IPL Auction 2025: Six Players Punjab Kings May Target Through RTM at IPL Mega Auction

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Punjab Kings (PBKS) have struggled to make their mark in the IPL since its inception in 2008, remaining one of the few franchises yet to lift the coveted trophy.

In IPL 2024, they finished 9th in the league table, with only five wins in 14 matches. The failure to qualify for the playoffs prompted a massive revamp in the squad ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

PBKS have chosen an aggressive strategy, retaining only two players-Shashank Singh for ₹5.5 crores and Prabhsimran Singh for INR 4 crores - leaving them with a colossal purse of ₹110.5 crores, the highest among all teams.

They also hold four Right-to-Match (RTM) cards, more than any other team. However, having already retained two uncapped Indian players, PBKS cannot use their RTMs on any other uncapped players. This makes the auction crucial for their squad composition.

Players released by Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Arshdeep Singh, Matthew Short, Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw.

Players who Punjab Kings might target to buy using RTM at IPL Mega Auction 2025

1. Harshal Patel: Harshal Patel has established himself as a reliable wicket-taker, particularly in the death overs. He is one of the prized assets that the Mohali--based franchise will look to get him via RTM at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

In the last season, he bagged 24 wickets in 14 matches and deservedly earned the Purple Cap. In his IPL career, he has claimed 135 wickets in 105 matches including 2 four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul.

2. Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep Singh has been one of the standout Indian pacers in recent years. With 76 wickets in 65 IPL appearances, including a fifer, he pitched in with his ability to deliver in pressure situations. In IPL 2024, he took 19 wickets in 14 games at an average of 26.58, at an economy of 10.03. PBKS will likely target him via RTM to bolster their death bowling.

3. Liam Livingstone: Liam Livingstone is a perfect T20 material as he can change the course of the game with both bat and ball. He mustered 939 runs in 39 IPL matches at a strike rate of 162.4, laced with six fifties. Since the Englishman is known for his potential to hit big, bowl useful overs of spin, it makes him an easy RTM choice for PBKS.

4. Sam Curran: Sam Curran has been a consistent performer in the IPL since 2019, contributing with both bat and ball. He has scored 883 runs in 59 matches at a strike rate of 136.5 and taken 58 wickets, including a four-wicket haul. In IPL 2024, he picked up 16 wickets in 13 matches at a high economy rate of 10.15. PBKS will consider getting him via RTM at the auction, courtesy of his all-round capabilities.

5. Jitesh Sharma: The 31-year-old Amravati-born provides rare value as a lower-order Indian batter who can score quickly. With 730 runs in 40 matches at a strike rate of 151.1, he has shown his ability to finish games. As a wicketkeeper, Jitesh has contributed with 4 stumpings and 4 run-outs. Despite a lackluster last season, his skill set ensures he remains a valuable target for PBKS.

6. Kagiso Rabada: It is no doubt that Rabada is a proven match-winner, which makes him an indispensable bowler for any team. Over his IPL career, the South African has taken 117 wickets in 80 games at an economy of 8.48, including six four-wicket hauls. In IPL 2024, Rabada had a slightly underwhelming season with 11 wickets in 11 matches at an economy of 8.86.