The 2025 IPL has been a season of dramatic resurgence for Punjab Kings (PBKS), who have reached the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Their resurgence is a tale of shrewd leadership, ambitious team restructuring, and a new crop of Indian batting talent.
Destructive Indian Batting Unit (Punjab Kings)
Punjab Kings resurgence has been fueled by a band of uncapped Indian batters. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have provided the team explosive openings consistently, while Nehal Wadhera has contributed to influential middle-order performances. Shashank Singh’s finishing has also been significant. With captain Shreyas Iyer holding fort at the top of the order, PBKS became the first team in IPL history to possess five batsmen each scoring more than 250 runs at a strike rate of over 150 in a season. This dauntless, assertive batting has been a tempo-setting aspect of their campaign.
Key Victories at Crucial Moments
Punjab Kings playoff push was characterized by timely victories, including their 24-run win against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. In the game, Nehal Wadhera (70 off 37) and Shashank Singh (50* off 27) drove PBKS to 219/5, and Harpreet Brar’s three-wicket strike stifled RR’s pursuit in the middle overs. PBKS’s ability to score heavily—posting their sixth 200+ effort of the season, equaling an IPL record—has placed them in front in pressure situations.
Spin and Death Bowling Enhancement
While their batting has been the talk of the town, Punjab Kings bowlers have done their share of work in crucial moments. Harpreet Brar’s middle-over spin and controlled death bowling have assisted them in holding big totals, particularly when pressure comes their way due to early wickets.
Leadership and New Management of Punjab Kings
Shreyas Iyer’s arrival as captain and Ricky Ponting as head coach brought in new energy and tactical precision into the team. The aggressive gameplan of the franchise in the mega auction, comprising record signings, provided them with the depth and adaptability required for a long season.
Playoff Qualification and Top-Two Ambition
Following their victory over Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings reached 17 points—sufficient to qualify for a playoff spot formally. With two remaining league matches, they are in charge of their fate to finish in the top two, which would provide them with two opportunities to advance into the final. Their Net Run Rate (NRR) is inferior to that of certain competitors, so giant victories are still required to move higher in the league table.
Image Source- Times of India
