Punjab Kings-New Start in IPL 2025 with High Hopes and Risky Tactics

Change has been the sole continuity for the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, and heading into IPL 2025, they are once again confronted with a dramatic transformation. With a new captain, a new team, and veteran Ricky Ponting as head coach, the franchise is eager to put behind failure and emerge as a strong challenger.

A New Era for Punjab Kings

As soon as they started, Punjab Kings have seen an extraordinary captaincy turnover with 16 captains that have captained the team till now. In IPL 2025, soon to be released, the franchise will also see its 17th captain leading the charge. The franchise last saw a playoff phase way back in 2014 when they finished runners-up. The decade-long break has created interest among people and pushed them for a turn of fortune. To turn fortunes, Punjab Kings have spent big in the auction, going big on tested match-winners, the top among them being last season's title-winning skipper, Shreyas Iyer. Strategic Squad Overhaul

The Punjab Kings' administration made a bold decision ahead of the IPL 2025 auction by retaining only two untested players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. This action ensured that they were in the auction with the largest purse available to them, allowing them to indulge in splurging on superstars. They signed their big-ticket player as Shreyas Iyer at a record price of INR 26.75 crore, making him the second-most valued IPL purchase of all time.

Punjab Kings also strengthened their squad with veteran players like Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, both bought for INR 18 crore. Other purchases were Marcus Stoinis (INR 11 crore), Marco Jansen (INR 7 crore), Glenn Maxwell (INR 4.2 crore), and Nehal Wadhera (INR 4.2 crore). Balancing those high-ticket purchases were some value picks like Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, Harpreet Brar, and Vijaykumar Vyshak, making it a well-balanced team with depth in all areas.

A Decade of Disappointments and the Redemption Hope

The past 11 seasons of the IPL have been largely disappointing for Punjab Kings, with their best achievement being a fifth-place finish in 2017. The 2022-24 cycle was particularly one to forget, with the team finishing eighth and ninth in consecutive seasons, losing 17 out of 28 games.

But with the elevation of Shreyas Iyer to captaincy—this one who led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory—Kings have a champion leader to lead them. Apart from that, Iyer's previous working experience with Ricky Ponting during their Delhi Capitals days also adds another layer of familiarity and continuity. With a strengthened team and a leadership duo that has worked hand-in-glove previously, Punjab Kings are confident of making a strong mark this season.

Projected Best XII for IPL 2025

Based on current squad strength and fitness, Punjab Kings' probable playing XI would be:

Prabhsimran Singh (wk)

Priyansh Arya

Marcus Stoinis

Shreyas Iyer (c)

Glenn Maxwell

Shashank Singh

Nehal Wadhera/Suryansh Shedge

Marco Jansen

Harpreet Brar

Lockie Ferguson

Arshdeep Singh

Yuzvendra Chahal

Injury Concerns and Availability Issues

Amongst Punjab Kings' most pressing concerns until IPL 2025 is Lockie Ferguson's injury. New Zealand bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of playing in the Champions Trophy after having a foot injury in a practice match. He then had another setback when he hurt his hamstring while playing in the ILT20 series. His availability will be something to watch out for as Punjab Kings build up for competition.

Key Players to Watch

Shreyas Iyer: The Captain with a Point to Prove

Shreyas Iyer's move to Punjab Kings is among the biggest IPL 2025 narratives. After taking KKR to a title, he was released, while despite KKR bidding for him at the auction, Punjab Kings offered more to pick him up. With his leadership background and form in domestic cricket, Iyer would be hoping to lead Punjab to their inaugural IPL title.

Glenn Maxwell-Will It Be A Breakout Season?

Maxwell's last stint with Punjab Kings was rollercoaster-esque, but the team did play well when he played his most good cricket. The previous season Punjab made the playoffs, Maxwell had an awesome season with over 500 runs at a baffling strike rate of 187.76. With nearly 700 T20 runs under his belt at near-40 average and strike rate of near-170 since the last IPL, Maxwell could very well be Punjab Kings' difference-maker this year.

Fixture Analysis and Build-Up for Season

Punjab Kings IPL 2025 season begins on March 25 with a game against Gujarat Titans. They'll enjoy an early six-day layoff before experiencing their first home game on April 5, nearly two weeks into the commencement of the competition.

The side has a congested schedule in mid-April, with four games—two away and two home—between April 12 to 18. The second half of their schedule has them operating out of Dharamsala for their final three home games before ending the league stage with an away game at Jaipur. The Home Ground Challenge: Can Punjab Kings Turn the Tide? One of the biggest challenges Punjab Kings face is that they have a bad home record.

Since 2023, their home win rate is as low as 14.28%, which is the worst among all the IPL teams.

Even the second-worst home win rate team Rajasthan Royals have managed 42.85%. The side has not done well at Mullanpur, winning just one of five, and is yet to lose in Dharamsala after four attempts since 2023. Overcoming this home disadvantage will be crucial if they are to mount a genuine challenge in the tournament. Final Thoughts: A Season of High Expectations With a new-look squad, a veteran coaching panel, and a determined leadership group, Punjab Kings are set to begin afresh in IPL 2025. The franchise has splurged on marquee players and strengthened each department of the squad. Even though past performances have been poor, the Kings have assembled a squad that can turn things around.

Can they finally break the playoff jinx and become serious title challengers? Only time will tell, but the setup is there for Punjab Kings to redeem themselves and carve out a new legacy in the IPL.