IPL 2025: Who should Punjab Kings retain ahead of the auction?

PBKS’s campaign in the IPL 2024 was far from memorable, registering only five wins in 14 games, and finishing ninth on the table. They have not qualified for the playoffs in the last 10 seasons, since they finished as the runners-up in the IPL 2014.

This could prompt the PBKS management to release several star players and revamp the squad with fresh faces going into the mega auction later in the year. New guidelines allow a franchise to keep hold of six players, either by retaining them or by using RTM options.

Find the implications of the new IPL player regulations here.

After 2014, PBKS finished at the bottom of the table in their following two seasons. They narrowly missed out on a playoff berth in 2017, finishing fifth in the league. Ever since, they have only finished sixth or lower in the next seven seasons. In search of a top-four spot, PBKS might see a major dynamic shift with a number of new recruitments. The management might also look for a new captain to change their fortunes in 2025.

Arshdeep Singh likely to be kept hold of

Left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh might get the nod from the franchise given his performance in the the IPL over the years and his growth on the international stage. He was also among the wickets in the T20I series against Bangladesh, picking 3-14 in the first T20I in Gwalior.

Last season's breakout stars Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh could both be retained as uncapped players, giving PBKS a core of sorts to build around. Shikhar Dhawan will not be retained, following his retirement earlier this year.

PBKS to retain overseas combination?

PBKS might look to retain English all-rounder Sam Curran, who has been a part of the team’s core setup. He did the bulk of captaincy in the IPL 2024 during Dhawan’s absence and was also the stand-in skipper in 2023 when the 38-year-old was out. His natural ability to take wickets and also bat in any position gives the team balance and depth.

Curran’s compatriot Liam Livingstone might also be in the management’s plans going into the next season. Although he was not at his sparkling best in the previous season, his adeptness to strike the long balls and also bowl spin always keeps him in contention to retain his spot.

Another overseas star whom PBKS might look to keep hold of is Kagiso Rabada. One of the finest fast bowlers in the world across all three formats and an experienced campaigner in the competition, the South African can be relied upon to lead the bowling attack.

PBKS: Possible player retentions for IPL 2025

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