IPL 2025 marks a new era for Punjab Kings (PBKS), with Ricky Ponting as head coach and Shreyas Iyer captaining the side. They're determined to end their decade-long playoff drought and reclaim their past glory. Can they finally achieve it?
The franchise has struggled since their last playoff appearance in 2014. Numerous captains and coaches have come and gone, and the squad has been constantly reshuffled in a desperate search for a winning formula.

PBKS made a significant investment, acquiring Shreyas Iyer for a substantial 26.75 crore rupees. The pressure is on Iyer and Ponting to replicate the success they had at Delhi Capitals. Will this dynamic duo finally bring the success Punjab craves?
This season, PBKS will rely heavily on Iyer's experience and composure at number three, hoping he can anchor their explosive batting line-up. The team boasts formidable international power-hitters like Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Inglis. The key question is whether the Indian contingent can provide consistent support.
Predicting the exact playing XI is challenging, but here's a potential starting lineup based on squad composition and likely strategies:
| Player |
|---|
| Prabhsimran Singh |
| Vishnu Vinod |
| Shreyas Iyer (c) |
| Glenn Maxwell |
| Josh Inglis (wk) |
| Marcus Stoinis |
| Marco Jansen |
| Yuzvendra Chahal |
| Arshdeep Singh |
| Kuldeep Sen |
| Harpreet Brar |
Impact Players:
Batsmen: Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Musheer Khan, Vishnu Vinod, Shikhar Dhawan (potential acquisition)
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai
Wicket-keeper: Josh Inglis
Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, V. Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Kuldeep Sen, Lockie Ferguson, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada (potential acquisition)
| Opponent | Venue | Date | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan Royals | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh | April 5 | 7:30 PM |
| Chennai Super Kings | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh | April 8 | 7:30 PM |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | April 12 | 7:30 PM |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh | April 15 | 7:30 PM |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | April 18 | 7:30 PM |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh | April 20 | 3:30 PM |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | April 26 | 7:30 PM |
| Chennai Super Kings | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | April 30 | 7:30 PM |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala | May 4 | 7:30 PM |
| Delhi Capitals | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala | May 8 | 7:30 PM |
| Mumbai Indians | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala | May 11 | 3:30 PM |
| Rajasthan Royals | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | May 16 | 7:30 PM |
IPL 2025 presents a crucial opportunity for the Punjab Kings. With a revamped squad, experienced leadership, and renewed purpose, they have the potential for a deep tournament run. Addressing their weaknesses and ensuring consistent key player performances will be essential to break their playoff drought and challenge for the IPL title.