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Punjab Kings have been part of the Indian Premier League since the inaugural season in 2008. But they have yet to win the title. It won’t be a wrong statement to say that they are the most underperforming team in the IPL. Since the very start, they have only qualified for the playoffs twice. They couldn’t make it to the top four in the IPL 2024 as well.
PBKS ended the tournament in ninth place with only five wins in 14 games, and it was yet another poor season for them in the IPL. There will be a mega auction next year, and it looks like the franchise might look to make a new team because they have not qualified for the playoffs since 2014. PBKS can only retain a maximum of four players, and here we will talk about those players whom PBKS can retain.
Four players whom PBKS might retain ahead of the IPL 2025 auction (Predicted)
1. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh ended the tournament as the second-highest wicket taker for the PBKS. He has been part of the team for the last few seasons and has done a good job. He is also now representing India in T20Is consistently, so his demand at the auction will be massive. Arshdeep took 19 wickets in 2024, with a best of 4/29. PBKS might not take a risk to release him, which is why he is likely to be one of their retained players in 2025.
2. Sam Curran
Shikhar Dhawan is currently 38 years old and might not play for the next three seasons. Hence, retaining him might not be the right decision. Hence, PBKS will look to retain Sam Curran to lead the team. The English all-rounder was pretty good with his own performances. He scored 270 runs at an average and strike rate of 27 and 123.28, with two half-centuries. With the ball, he took 16 wickets. His ability to contribute in both departments is one reason that he is likely to be retained.
3. Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh scored the most runs for PBKS in the TATA IPL 2024. He scored 354 runs in 14 innings at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 164.65. He also scored two half-centuries, and his best of 68 not out came when PBKS chased down the highest IPL total against KKR. Shashank showed great maturity and is a consistent batter in the middle order, and he is with the team for just INR 20 lacs.
4. Jitesh Sharma or Prabhsimran Singh
Jitesh Sharma didn’t have a great IPL 2024, and he only scored 187 runs with the bat. But he is certainly one for the future and is still young. PBKS can invest in him for the long term, and he is their vice captain. Hence, he can be one good option, or Prabhsimran Singh is another keeper-batter whom PBKS can think of retaining. Prabhsimran had a brilliant season and scored 334 runs for the team.
