Punjab Kings have finalized their retentions for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, selecting only two uncapped players. The retained players confirmed for PBKS include young goalkeeper Prabhsimran Singh and IPL 2024 standout performer Shashank Singh.
By retaining these two players, PBKS is signaling a strategy to build their team from scratch, having released players who were expected to be retained.
Trusting local players without limits
1.Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh has been signed by Punjab Kings for INR 5.5 crore. What a journey it has been for him so far! He was mistakenly picked by the PBKS franchise at the auction table ahead of IPL 2024. The 32-year-old scored 354 runs, at an average of 44 and a strike of over 160.
He was an obvious choice for retention due to his outstanding performances in IPL 2024. As Punjab Kings’ best player in IPL 2024, the team hopes to replicate his success in IPL 2025.
2. Prabhsimran Singh
Prabhsimran Singh has been signed for INR 4 crore by Punjab Kings. He made his IPL debut in 2019 and was bought for 60 lakhs in the IPL 2022 auction. Prabhsimran flourished with PBKS, scoring 358 runs in IPL 2023, which included a century and a fifty. In IPL 2024, he contributed 334 runs at a strike rate of 156.8, taking his total to 756 runs in 34 matches. Retaining him ahead of players like Jonny Bairstow and Jitesh Sharma shows that PBKS is confident in his abilities.
Known for his aggressive attack during the powerplay and providing a quick start, the team hopes that he can maintain this form in IPL 2025. Furthermore, retaining Prabhsimran will not significantly affect PBKS’ budget as he is a player without limit.
Also Read: List of SRH retained players for IPL 2025 CONFIRMED: Sunrisers Hyderabad retain foreign trio and two rising Indian stars
Retention strategy
These two unlimited holds by PBKS have cost them only Rs 9.5 million, allowing them to enter the auction with a hefty budget of Rs 110.5 million. They will also have 4 RTMs that they can use to retain the players they want.
By releasing key players like Rabada, Arshdeep, Bairstow, Livingstone, Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma and instead relying on these two players without limits, PBKS is clearly focused on building its team from scratch.
Having yet to win an IPL trophy and finishing ninth in IPL 2024, PBKS aims to create a strong team with a powerful top order in Prabhsimran, a destructive middle order including Shashank Singh and a new line-up of bowlers. They can still use their RTM cards to bring back players like Arshdeep if they wish.
With the significant amount in their auction bag, it will be interesting to see how the Punjab Kings decide to spend it as they can bid high for the players they want.
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