IPL: Predicting PBKS’s strongest playing XI

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up for IPL 2025, hoping to finally secure their maiden title. Last season was disappointing, as they finished ninth with just 10 points from 14 games (five wins, nine losses). To rebuild, they made bold moves, retaining only two players—Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh—before adding 23 new faces in the auction.

A major highlight was their acquisition of Shreyas Iyer for a staggering INR 26.75 crore. Iyer led KKR to the title last season, and PBKS wasted no time in naming him their new skipper. With the squad now set, PBKS have the resources to challenge for the title, and their best possible playing XI looks promising.

The likely opening pair will be Prabhsimran Singh, the wicket-keeper batter, and Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. While Stoinis is usually a middle-order player, he has experience opening in various franchise leagues. Iyer will slot in at No. 3, followed by the explosive Glenn Maxwell, who returns to PBKS after previously playing for them.

Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh could form a solid middle order at No. 5 and No. 6. Wadhera showed promise for the Mumbai Indians in past seasons, while Shashank was impressive last year. 

Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai should be a key figure at No. 7, offering both batting depth and an extra seam-bowling option. If PBKS decide not to use Stoinis as an opener, Omarzai could also fill that role.

The spin department will be led by Harpreet Brar and Yuzvendra Chahal, while the pace attack is expected to feature Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh. Chahal is known as one of the IPL greats for his consistency when it comes to taking wickets over the years. 

The South African all-rounder, Jansen is also a handy batter who can hit huge sixes along with his left-arm pace at any phase of the game. With eight batting options and seven genuine bowling choices, PBKS appear to have a well-balanced squad heading into the new season.

Here is the predicted PBKS’s strongest playing XI

Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

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