Punjab Kings Retention List 2025 | IPL 2025 Retention Players List PBKS Probability and Mega Auction Strategy

Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by their dynamic team director Preity Zinta and newly appointed head coach Ricky Ponting, are preparing for a major transformation ahead of IPL 2025. Despite having star-studded lineups over the years, Punjab Kings are yet to claim an IPL title. Determined to change this, Ponting aims to rebuild the team from scratch with a focus on assembling a fresh, cohesive squad. In addition, PBKS may target a seasoned captain in the mega auction, with Rishabh Pant emerging as a potential candidate.

Ponting brings invaluable IPL experience, having previously coached Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals to playoffs and a title win, along with his recent title-winning stint with Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket. His appointment promises an aggressive approach in both player identification and strategic execution.

This article explores PBKS's potential core retentions, Right to Match (RTM) options, key targets from other franchises, emerging players, and overall auction strategy for IPL 2025.
 

Since their debut in 2008, Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) have experienced an inconsistent IPL journey, making only a few appearances in the playoffs and reaching the final just once in 2014. Known for bold decisions and high-value purchases, PBKS has struggled to maintain team cohesion and consistency, often undergoing major overhauls every few seasons. Their inability to capitalize on marquee players like Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, and Glenn Maxwell has been a significant setback.

Punjab Kings have often followed a high-stakes auction strategy, focusing on star players while periodically revamping their squads. In IPL 2024, PBKS invested significantly in international stars like Sam Curran (₹18.5 crore), Liam Livingstone (₹11.5 crore), and Kagiso Rabada (₹9.25 crore), showcasing their commitment to acquiring multi-faceted talent. However, inconsistent performances, particularly in the bowling department, prompted management to prioritize a more balanced approach for the 2025 season. With Ponting’s influence, PBKS aims to build a structured and stable squad, possibly leaning towards young Indian players alongside key overseas stars.

Core Retentions for IPL 2025

PBKS is expected to retain a core group of key performers who have shown promise and align with Ponting’s philosophy:

1. Arshdeep Singh (₹4 crore)

   • Arshdeep Singh has been a standout performer for PBKS, known for his precision in death overs and ability to execute yorkers under pressure. As one of India's rising left-arm pacers, Arshdeep’s economical bowling and loyalty to the franchise make him an invaluable asset. With Ponting’s mentorship, his death-bowling skills are likely to reach new heights, making him an automatic retention for IPL 2025.

2. Liam Livingstone (₹11.5 crore)

   • Known for his aggressive style and versatility, Liam Livingstone is a proven game-changer in the middle order. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate and provide useful overs with both off-spin and leg-spin make him a core player for PBKS. Livingstone’s experience and consistency on subcontinent pitches align with Ponting’s game plan.

3. Jitesh Sharma (Uncapped)

   • Jitesh Sharma had a stellar IPL 2024 season, showing resilience and power as a middle-order batter and wicketkeeper. His ability to adapt to different match situations and finish games makes him invaluable, and his uncapped status allows PBKS to retain him at a lower cost. Sharma’s growing reputation as a finisher and game-changer fits perfectly within Ponting’s competitive approach.

4. Shashank Singh (Uncapped)

   • A promising all-rounder, Shashank Singh has demonstrated effective finishing capabilities and aggressive middle-order batting. His impactful performances in IPL 2024 highlighted his potential, particularly with the bat in death overs. Shashank’s all-round skills and fielding abilities provide depth to PBKS’s lineup and align with Ponting's focus on athleticism and versatility.

Retention and RTM Card Strategy

PBKS may consider using their RTM cards for two standout players:

1. Sikandar Raza

   • Sikandar Raza has proven his value as an all-rounder with his ability to contribute both with bat and ball. His quick-scoring abilities and off-spin option make him a versatile asset in T20s. If PBKS chooses to release him initially, an RTM card could be strategically used to bring him back for his consistency and adaptability, both crucial in Ponting’s vision for a balanced side.

2. Jonny Bairstow (₹6.75 crore)

   • Jonny Bairstow is a powerful top-order batsman and skilled wicketkeeper whose ability to give explosive starts adds depth to the lineup. If PBKS releases him, an RTM card would allow them to secure his services again, leveraging his experience and aggressive play, which fits with the team’s high-paced strategy.

Key Auction Targets from Other Franchises

Under Ponting’s leadership, PBKS may look to acquire high-impact players to strengthen their lineup:

1. Rishabh Pant (from Delhi Capitals)

   • Known for his fearless batting and strong leadership, Rishabh Pant could be the captain PBKS is searching for. Pant’s experience as Delhi’s captain combined with his ability to lead under pressure makes him an attractive option. His energy and aggression could greatly benefit PBKS, potentially making him one of their big targets in the auction.

2. Devdutt Padikkal (from Lucknow Super Giants)

   • Devdutt Padikkal is known for his ability to pace innings effectively and could form a solid opening partnership with Bairstow. His calm temperament and ability to rotate strike would strengthen PBKS’s top order, providing a solid base for the middle-order hitters.

Foreign Players PBKS May Target

To strengthen their overseas roster, PBKS might pursue:

1. Jake Fraser-McGurk (from Delhi Capitals)

   • A young, promising talent, Jake Fraser-McGurk brings dynamic fielding and batting prowess to the table. His agility on the field and explosive batting style make him a valuable target for PBKS, potentially filling a middle-order position and offering a fresh approach under Ponting’s guidance.

2. Travis Head (from Sunrisers Hyderabad)

   • If released by Sunrisers Hyderabad to prioritize overseas slots, Travis Head would be a strategic pick for PBKS. Known for his powerful top-order batting and ability to contribute with off-spin, Head’s adaptability makes him a desirable addition, enhancing PBKS's batting depth.

Emerging Players PBKS May Target

PBKS is expected to invest in young, promising players to build a sustainable squad for future seasons:

1. Abishek Porel (from Delhi Capitals)

   • Abishek Porel has shown potential as a middle-order batsman with the ability to hold innings together under pressure. His capacity to anchor the game while allowing others to accelerate makes him a promising addition to PBKS's lineup, especially for long-term team-building.

2. Gus Atkinson (from Kolkata Knight Riders)

   • A promising international bowler, Gus Atkinson has impressed with his pace and control. His skills would add depth to PBKS’s pace attack and serve as a long-term investment, providing PBKS with options beyond established pacers like Arshdeep Singh.

Complete Expected Squad and Winning Combination for IPL 2025

Here’s a projected PBKS squad for IPL 2025 based on retentions, RTM options, and key auction targets:

Top Order:

• Jonny Bairstow (RTM)
• Jake Fraser-McGurk (Auction Target)
• Travis Head

Middle Order and All-Rounders:

• Liam Livingstone
• Jitesh Sharma (Uncapped)
• Sikandar Raza (RTM)
• Shashank Singh (Uncapped)
• Devdutt Padikkal (Auction Target)

Bowling Unit:

• Arshdeep Singh
• Harshal Patel
• Gus Atkinson (Emerging Target)
• Rahul Chahar

After years of inconsistent results, PBKS appears set on a strategic overhaul. Under the leadership Ricky Ponting, the team is focused on building a young and cohesive unit with a view toward sustained success. Ponting’s aggressive style is expected to shape a resilient squad, with players who can handle high-pressure T20 scenarios. Reports suggest that PBKS has advocated for increased retention limits, which would allow them to retain a larger pool of talented players. For the 2025 auction, PBKS is expected to retain six players and use two RTM cards, equipping them to form a solid core team.

PBKS is rumored to be eyeing influential players to strengthen their squad and bring in leadership quality. If available, Rishabh Pant may serve as a valuable captaincy option, while experienced players like Travis Head and Devdutt Padikkal are also on PBKS's radar. Although unconfirmed, these acquisitions could reshape PBKS’s lineup as they gear up for a strong performance in the 2025 IPL season.

Punjab Kings IPL 2024 squad:

1. Sam Curran – ₹18.50 crore

2. Harshal Patel – ₹11.75 crore

3. Liam Livingstone – ₹11.50 crore

4. Kagiso Rabada – ₹9.25 crore

5. Shikhar Dhawan – ₹8.25 crore

6. Rilee Rossouw – ₹8.00 crore

7. Jonny Bairstow – ₹6.75 crore

8. Rahul Chahar – ₹5.25 crore

9. Chris Woakes – ₹4.20 crore

10. Arshdeep Singh – ₹4.00 crore

11. Harpreet Brar – ₹3.80 crore

12. Nathan Ellis – ₹0.75 crore

13. Prabhsimran Singh – ₹0.60 crore

14. Rishi Dhawan – ₹0.55 crore

15. Sikandar Raza – ₹0.50 crore

16. Harpreet Singh – ₹0.40 crore

17. Atharva Taide – ₹0.20 crore

18. Ashutosh Sharma – ₹0.20 crore

19. Jitesh Sharma – ₹0.20 crore

20. Shashank Singh – ₹0.20 crore

21. Prince Choudhary – ₹0.20 crore

22. Shivam Singh – ₹0.20 crore

23. Vidwath Kaverappa – ₹0.20 crore

24. Vishwapratap Singh – ₹0.20 crore

25. Tanay Thyagarajan – ₹0.20 crore