The IPL 2025 auction is going to be exciting, especially for Punjab Kings (PBKS). PBKS is ready for a big team change. With new head coach Ricky Ponting, they have kept only two uncapped players – Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh – for the auction. They have the biggest auction budget of INR 110.5 crores, so they can either buy new players or get back old ones using the Right-To-Match (RTM) card. Here are five players PBKS might want to bring back using RTM.
1. Arshdeep Singh: PBKS’ Top Choice
Arshdeep Singh might be PBKS’ top choice for the RTM card. Even though he is one of India’s best bowlers, PBKS let him go. He has taken 64 wickets in the last four IPL seasons and was also the joint-highest wicket-taker at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. PBKS initially set his price at INR 18 crores, but they might hope to buy him for a lower price in the auction. However, since he is in great form, PBKS might have to face strong competition. An RTM card would help PBKS get him back.
2. Jitesh Sharma: The Power-Hitting Wicket-Keeper
PBKS also let go of Jitesh Sharma, a wicket-keeper known for his hard-hitting batting. Jitesh has a strike rate of 151 in three IPL seasons and has made it to India’s T20I team. Even though he hasn’t done much in international cricket yet, PBKS might use the RTM card to get him back for less than INR 14 crores. His aggressive batting in the middle order makes him a valuable player for any team.
3. Kagiso Rabada: The Fast Bowling Star
Kagiso Rabada is one of the best fast bowlers in the world. He took 41 wickets in his last three IPL seasons with PBKS. Rabada played a big part in PBKS’ bowling attack and helped South Africa succeed in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. PBKS bought him for INR 9.25 crores, and they might use the RTM card to bring him back because of his experience and talent.
4. Harshal Patel: Expert in Death-Overs
Harshal Patel, who won the Purple Cap in IPL 2024 with 24 wickets, was another surprise release by PBKS. Known for his slower deliveries and excellent death-over bowling, Harshal was bought for INR 11.75 crores by PBKS. Even though they released him, PBKS is likely to use the RTM card to bring him back. Bowlers like Harshal, who can perform well in the final overs, are hard to find in the auction.
5. Liam Livingstone: The All-Round Match-Winner
Liam Livingstone, a strong all-rounder, was bought by PBKS in the IPL 2022 auction for INR 11.5 crores. He is known for his powerful batting and good bowling skills. In 30 IPL games, he scored 827 runs at a strike rate of 169 and took 11 wickets. He has recently done well in international cricket, with 404 runs in his last nine matches. PBKS may use the RTM card to keep him, as he is a valuable player. Summary
With the largest budget in the IPL 2025 auction, PBKS has a great chance to rebuild its team. By using their RTM cards wisely, they can bring back important players like Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, and Liam Livingstone. These players have already shown their value, and getting them back could help PBKS in the next IPL season.