Because the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar has shared his ideas on what the best Punjab Kings (PBKS) enjoying XI ought to appear like. PBKS, who’ve constantly underperformed within the IPL through the years, need to break their playoff drought and mount a severe title problem this time. With a revamped squad that includes a mixture of skilled worldwide stars and thrilling younger Indian expertise, PBKS has the potential to be one of many darkish horses this season.
Talking on Star Sports activities, Bangar supplied a structured breakdown of PBKS’ very best enjoying XI, considering batting depth, all-round choices, and a powerful bowling assault.
1. Opening pair: Energy-hitters to set the tone
George Garton & Prabhsimran Singh
Bangar believes that PBKS ought to open with George Garton and Prabhsimran Singh to maximise their explosive begins. Garton, the England left-hander, is understood for his aggressive batting model and skill to tackle pacers within the powerplay. His attacking method on the prime may give Punjab a flying begin.
On the different finish, Prabhsimran Singh has been considered one of PBKS’ most promising younger abilities. His capacity to play fearless cricket and tackle spinners within the center overs makes him a key participant on the prime. If this opening pair clicks, Punjab Kings can put up massive totals or chase down daunting targets with ease.
2. Center order: Stability and firepower
No. 3 – Shreyas Iyer
At No. 3, Shreyas Iyer brings expertise, calmness, and the flexibility to anchor the innings. Having gained the IPL title as KKR’s captain final season, Iyer is now Punjab’s chief and can play a vital position in guiding the crew together with his management and constant performances. His capacity to speed up after settling in can be important in holding the innings collectively.
No. 4 – Shashank Singh
Bangar backs Shashank Singh for the No. 4 slot, citing his spectacular home performances. Shashank has been a dependable middle-order batter in home cricket and is understood for his capacity to deal with stress. His inclusion ensures that Punjab has somebody who can soak up stress and construct partnerships.
No. 5 – Glenn Maxwell
The X-factor within the Punjab Kings lineup, Glenn Maxwell is available in at No. 5. Maxwell’s return to PBKS provides immense worth to their center order. His capacity to play outrageous pictures, change gears effortlessly, and contribute together with his off-spin makes him probably the most harmful gamers in T20 cricket. If Maxwell finds his rhythm, he can single-handedly change the course of a match inside a number of overs.
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer discloses his most popular batting place for the franchise
3. All-rounders: The spine of PBKS
No. 6 – Marcus Stoinis
One other key addition to PBKS, Marcus Stoinis, will slot in at No. 6. The Australian all-rounder is a dependable power-hitter and a helpful medium-pacer. Stoinis gives depth to each batting and bowling, making him a useful asset in crunch conditions. His ending capacity can be essential for Punjab within the final 5 overs.
No. 7 – Marco Jansen
At No. 7, Bangar picks South African left-arm pacer and all-rounder Marco Jansen. Jansen brings selection to the bowling assault and gives depth within the decrease order together with his clear hitting. His left-arm tempo will be notably efficient in troubling opposition batters, and his peak provides him an added benefit.
4. Bowling assault: A mix of expertise and younger expertise
No. 8 – Harpreet Brar
A dependable left-arm spinner, Harpreet Brar can be Punjab’s essential spin choice alongside Maxwell and Chahal. He has confirmed himself as a wicket-taking choice within the center overs and may contribute with the bat in late-order partnerships.
No. 9 – Yuzvendra Chahal
Considered one of IPL’s biggest spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal, would be the lead spinner in Punjab’s bowling assault. Chahal’s expertise and skill to deceive batters together with his flight and variations make him a vital weapon for PBKS, particularly in spin-friendly situations. His presence provides Punjab a real wicket-taking risk within the center overs.
No. 10 – Arshdeep Singh
Punjab’s most constant bowler in recent times, Arshdeep Singh will lead the tempo assault. Arshdeep has been considered one of India’s greatest death-over bowlers, and his capacity to bowl yorkers underneath stress makes him a vital a part of the crew. With Jansen and Stoinis supporting him, PBKS may have a well-rounded tempo assault.
No. 11 – A younger Indian pacer (to be chosen based mostly on situations)
For the ultimate bowling spot, Bangar suggests selecting a younger Indian pacer relying on the situations and match-ups. PBKS have a number of choices, together with Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Sen, who may complement the assault. This spot will present Punjab with an additional tempo choice, guaranteeing flexibility within the enjoying XI.