Afghanistan and Bangladesh are currently engaged in discussions regarding the scheduling of a T20 International series set to take place in October, as reported by Cricbuzz.com.
27.03.2025Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur thwart Delhi Capitals once more as Mumbai Indians reclaim the Women’s Premier League title | Cricbuzz.com
27.03.2025
**IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Poised for a Fresh Start**
*Gokul Gopal*
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Welcome to the fresh cycle of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where Punjab Kings are making bold moves to reverse their fortunes. Steered by distinguished figures Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, the franchise aims to resurrect the charm they collectively crafted at Delhi Capitals.
**What’s New with Punjab Kings?**
As the adage goes, “Change is the only constant,” this philosophy rings particularly true for the Punjab Kings, whose journey in the IPL has been characterized by a carousel of leadership with 16 captains since the tournament’s inauguration. As IPL 2025 dawns, a 17th captain will lead the pursuit of playoff success, a feat eluding them since their runner-up finish in 2014. Determined to break this cycle, the Kings have initiated a strategic squad overhaul, investing substantially in last season’s title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, and appointing Ricky Ponting as head coach to guide this renaissance.
Ahead of the player auction, Punjab Kings chose to retain just two uncapped players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, thereby ensuring the most substantial spending capability among all teams. Consequently, high-profile acquisitions were made, highlighted by the INR 26.75 crore procurement of Iyer, marking the second-highest buy in IPL annals. Additionally, astute signings included Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal (INR 18 crore each), alongside Marcus Stoinis (INR 11 crore), Marco Jansen (INR 7 crore), Glenn Maxwell (INR 4.2 crore), and Nehal Wadhera (INR 4.2 crore), complemented by strategic value additions like Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, and Vijaykumar Vyshak for a well-rounded squad.
Over the preceding 11 years, the Kings’ best finish was a fifth-place standing in 2017, with forgettable performances in the 2022-24 cycle. Achieving eighth and ninth in recent seasons, punctuated by 17 defeats in 28 encounters, highlighted their struggle. However, the Kings are optimistic under Iyer’s captaincy—a leader who clinched titles with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and with Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His collaboration with Ponting and the wealth of seasoned performers available revitalizes hope for this franchise at the cusp of a new beginning.
**Full Squad**
Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Xavier Bartlett, Pravin Dubey, Lockie Ferguson, Musheer Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Suryansh Shedge, Harnoor Singh, Yash Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Vishnu Vinod.
**Line-up Projections**
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 and Availability Updates**
Lockie Ferguson has been sidelined from the Champions Trophy post a foot injury sustained during a warm-up fixture. He has returned to New Zealand for rehabilitation following a prior hamstring issue during the ILT20.
**Player with a Point to Prove**
All eyes are on Shreyas Iyer. In a rare twist, this championship-winning captain finds himself forging a new path with Punjab Kings this season. The Kolkata Knight Riders initially pursued him in the auction but ultimately conceded to Punjab’s successful bid. Following his considerable achievements with Mumbai and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Iyer is focused on channeling this winning momentum into Punjab Kings’ charge for their elusive IPL title.
**Potential Breakout Star**
Glenn Maxwell returns to Punjab Kings after a hiatus, last featuring prominently in their 2014 playoff run with over 500 runs at a blistering strike rate of 187.76. Since his return, Maxwell has amassed nearly 700 runs from 22 T20 innings, maintaining an impressive average and strike rate.
**Schedule Insights**
Punjab Kings will commence their campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 25, followed by a six-day interval before their first home fixture on April 5. A hectic sequence awaits in mid-April with both away and home games bookending this period. A calm schedule ensues before their concluding league match in Jaipur, preceded by three successive home contests in Dharamsala.
**Home Ground Statistic to Monitor**
Since 2023, Punjab Kings’ win percentage at home languishes at 14.28%—the league’s lowest— compared to Rajasthan Royals’ 42.85%. Historically, Punjab has secured only one victory in Mullanpur and remains winless in its last four matches in Dharamsala. Can the Kings alter this narrative?
*Statistical Contributions by Deepu Narayanan*
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**TAGS**: Punjab Kings, Indian Premier League 2025
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