Punjab Kings (PBKS) are back with renewed energy and a balanced squad for IPL 2025. After several underwhelming seasons, PBKS has strengthened its team with key signings and retained experienced players. Under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, PBKS will aim to finally break their title drought and secure their first IPL championship. Let’s take a detailed look at the full Punjab Kings squad, key players, and predictions for IPL 2025.
🏏 PBKS Full Squad for IPL 2025
Punjab Kings have focused on building a balanced team with strong Indian and overseas players. Here’s the complete squad for IPL 2025:
| Player | Role | Age | Nationality | Notable Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shikhar Dhawan (C) | Batter | 39 | India | Experienced opener and captain |
| Jonny Bairstow (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 35 | England | Explosive opening batter |
| Prabhsimran Singh | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 24 | India | Aggressive top-order batter |
| Liam Livingstone | All-Rounder | 32 | England | Power-hitter and off-spin bowler |
| Jitesh Sharma (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | 28 | India | Middle-order hitter and finisher |
| Shahrukh Khan | All-Rounder | 29 | India | Lower-order power-hitter |
| Sam Curran | All-Rounder | 27 | England | Left-arm pacer and middle-order batter |
| Sikandar Raza | All-Rounder | 38 | Zimbabwe | Off-spin and hard-hitting finisher |
| Harpreet Brar | All-Rounder | 29 | India | Left-arm orthodox and useful batter |
| Rahul Chahar | Bowler | 26 | India | Leg-spinner and middle-over controller |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler | 30 | South Africa | Express pace and death-over specialist |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | 26 | India | Left-arm swing bowler |
| Nathan Ellis | Bowler | 30 | Australia | Right-arm death-over specialist |
| Rishi Dhawan | All-Rounder | 34 | India | Medium pace and lower-order hitting |
| Atharva Taide | Batter | 24 | India | Left-hand opener and flexible batter |
| Baltej Singh | Bowler | 29 | India | Right-arm medium pacer |
| Mohit Rathee | All-Rounder | 25 | India | Right-arm leg-spin |
| Bhanuka Rajapaksa | Batter | 33 | Sri Lanka | Aggressive left-handed middle-order batter |
| Chris Woakes | All-Rounder | 36 | England | Seam bowler and handy batter |
| Raj Bawa | All-Rounder | 23 | India | Left-hand batter and medium pace |
⭐ Key Players to Watch
💪 Shikhar Dhawan – The Skipper
Dhawan’s experience and consistency at the top of the order will be crucial for Punjab Kings. His leadership and ability to anchor the innings give PBKS stability in the powerplay.
🏏 Jonny Bairstow – The Explosive Opener
Bairstow’s aggressive approach at the top will help Punjab set or chase big totals. His combination with Dhawan could be one of the most destructive in the tournament.
🔥 Sam Curran – The All-Round Weapon
Curran’s ability to bowl in the death overs and score quick runs in the lower order makes him one of the most valuable assets for PBKS.
🎯 Kagiso Rabada – The Pace Spearhead
Rabada’s experience and ability to bowl under pressure, both with the new ball and at the death, make him a key match-winner.
🌟 Liam Livingstone – The X-Factor
Livingstone’s hard-hitting ability in the middle overs and his knack for picking up crucial wickets give PBKS an edge in close matches.
🔥 Strengths
✅ Strong opening combination with Dhawan and Bairstow.
✅ A well-balanced bowling attack featuring Rabada, Arshdeep, and Curran.
✅ Explosive middle order with Livingstone and Bairstow.
✅ Multiple all-rounders providing depth in both batting and bowling.
⚠️ Weaknesses
❌ Over-reliance on overseas players for middle-order stability.
❌ Lack of Indian match-winners in the middle order.
❌ Inconsistent performances from the Indian batting core.
🔮 Prediction for IPL 2025
Punjab Kings have the squad to go deep into the tournament. If their Indian core steps up and the overseas stars perform consistently, PBKS could be a serious title contender. The combination of power-hitters, quality all-rounders, and a world-class bowling attack gives them the firepower to challenge any team.
🔥 Expected Finish: Top 4 🏆
🏏 Possible Playing XI for PBKS in IPL 2025
1. Shikhar Dhawan (C)
2. Jonny Bairstow (WK)
3. Liam Livingstone
4. Jitesh Sharma (WK)
5. Shahrukh Khan
6. Sam Curran
7. Sikandar Raza
8. Harpreet Brar
9. Rahul Chahar
10. Kagiso Rabada
11. Arshdeep Singh
🎯 Key Matches to Watch
🔥 PBKS vs MI – Battle of the Openers
🔥 PBKS vs CSK – Clash of Experience and Strategy
🔥 PBKS vs RCB – Power-hitters Face-off
📢 Final Thoughts
Punjab Kings have built one of their strongest squads in recent years for IPL 2025. If the team gels well under Dhawan’s leadership and key players like Bairstow, Livingstone, and Rabada deliver consistently, PBKS could finally lift their maiden IPL trophy.
