The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up for the IPL 2025 season, and they face several critical challenges that could hinder their performance.
After finishing in a disappointing ninth place in IPL 2024, the franchise has made significant changes, including a new captain in Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting.
However, despite these changes, there are still major concerns that could impact their campaign.
Here are three key issues for PBKS as they prepare for the upcoming season.
1. Over-Reliance on Key Players
With the acquisition of Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore and Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crore, a lot is riding on these star players to deliver consistent performances throughout the season.
Iyer, who had a successful stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, is expected to lead both as captain and a primary run-scorer. However, this heavy reliance on a few departments.
The team must find ways to distribute the responsibility more evenly across the squad to avoid being overly dependent on a few individuals.
2. Weakness in Batting Depth
The batting depth of PBKS remains a significant concern heading into IPL 2025. While they have made some strategic acquisitions, the overall batting lineup still appears fragile.
The reliance on uncapped players such as Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya raises questions about their ability to perform consistently at the IPL level.
With limited experience in high-pressure situations, these players may struggle against seasoned bowlers
To address this issue, PBKS needs to ensure that their batting lineup is well-balanced and capable of adapting to different match situations.
3. Imbalance in Bowling Attack
While PBKS has invested heavily in their pace attack, this focus has created an imbalance within their bowling lineup.
The team boasts several fast bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson, but this abundance may lead to wasted talent on the bench.
With only limited spots available in the playing XI, many pacers may find themselves sidelined during matches.
Apart from Chahal, who is a world-class spinner, PBKS lacks a second reliable spin option. Harpreet Brar’s inconsistent performances further exacerbate this issue.
The team needs effective spin options to complement their pace attack and provide variety during matches.
