Punjab Kings is one of the franchises that are yet to crack the art of winning the IPL or even putting up consistent performances in a given season. It is largely down to the fact that PBKS hardly had a settled side apart from the first few seasons. This can change if they can do well in the upcoming mega auction and it all starts with how well they retain their players before that. Here in this article, we will delve into the probable players that PBKS are likely to retain and use RTM.
Arshdeep Singh
The left-arm pacer has been a steady performer for both PBKS and the Indian team over the last few years. His ability to swing new ball and pick wickets at crucial juncture make him a huge asset for any team. He is also a left-arm seamer, bringing a great variety to the PBKS’ bowling line-up. Hence it would be a no-brainer for the franchise to retain the 25-year-old who has picked 76 wickets since making his debut in 2019.
Ashutosh Sharma (Uncapped)
Punjab Kings found a couple of solid Indian batters during the last edition, one of them being the hard-hitting right-hander Ashutosh Sharma. The uncapped Indian batter playing just his first season of IPL, impressed everyone with his striking capabilities. He amassed 189 runs in 9 innings at a staggering strike rate of 167.26, playing some stunning knocks in the course.
Shashank Singh (Uncapped)
PBKS can make use of the retention rules to retain a second of their uncapped player before the auction and he is none other than Shashank Singh. The right-hander was a rare bright prospect in the Punjab Kings’ batting department and played a key role in their middle-order. Starting at No.7, he gradually moved up the order and found success. In the 14 innings he played last season, Shashank scored 354 runs at a strike rate of 164.65 with two half-centuries to his name.
Kagiso Rabada (RTM)
The South African speedster, Kagiso Rabada is among the world’s finest fast bowlers and found success in this league taking 117 wickets in just 80 matches. Since starting out to play for PBKS in 2022, Rabada has scalped 41 wickets at 24.63 and would be a straightforward option to be bought in the Right To Match in the auction.
Liam Livingstone
The England all-rounder is a versatile cricketer who could do everything on the cricket field. He does blow hot & cold but is a genuine match-winner and has shown that both in the IPL as well as for England in international cricket. He has played 30 games for PBKS since joining them in 2022 and has scored 827 runs at a strike rate of 169.12. Though he had an ordinary season in 2024, his match-winning abilities can’t be neglected and PBKS could be tempted to retain him for the next cycle.
Sam Curran
An all-rounder who is capable of giving consistent performances in all departments of the game, PBKS has a match-winner in Sam Curran. While the team didn’t perform well last season, Curran came good scoring 270 runs and picking 16 wickets coupled with leading the side in Shikhar Dhawan’s absence. PBKS will look to retain him and could be their star in the next IPL cycle.
Check out the same list for other IPL teams here.
