The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is generating significant buzz as teams prepare to make crucial decisions regarding player retention.
With the auction expected to take place between December 2024 and February 2025, franchises are contemplating which players to keep as they aim to build competitive squads for the upcoming season.
The Punjab Kings have yet to secure an IPL title since the league’s inception in 2008, finishing outside the playoff positions in 15 of the 17 seasons.
Their recent performance in IPL 2024 saw them end the league stage in ninth place, so they need to think about the squad changes ahead of the IPL 2024 mega auction.
The franchise is reportedly allowed to retain a maximum of four players, although discussions are ongoing about potentially expanding this limit to eight.
Based on player performances and strategic considerations, here are three players that PBKS is likely to retain.
1. Sam Curran
As a high-profile all-rounder, Sam Curran is expected to be the first retention choice for PBKS.
Despite the team’s overall poor performance, Curran showcased his abilities with both bat and ball, scoring 270 runs and taking 16 wickets in the 2024 season.
His leadership qualities, especially in the absence of regular captain Shikhar Dhawan, make him a valuable asset for the franchise moving forward.
2. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a key player for PBKS, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker for the team in 2024 with 19 wickets.
His consistent performance has earned him a spot in the Indian T20I squad, indicating his rising profile in the cricketing world.
Retaining Arshdeep would not only bolster PBKS’s bowling attack but also ensure they keep a player who has shown the potential to perform on larger stages.
3. Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh’s impressive performance in the 2024 season, where he scored 354 runs at an average of 44.25, positions him as a strong candidate for retention.
His ability to score quickly, evidenced by a strike rate of 164.65, makes him a crucial middle-order batsman for PBKS.
Given his relatively low retention cost, he represents a smart investment for the franchise.
