Punjab Kings (PBKS) were among the worst performing teams in the previous cycle and failed to qualify for the playoffs in all three seasons. Last year they could only win five games and finished in ninth position with only ten points.

Therefore, they will look to make several key changes and form a new team ahead of next season. However, PBKS could also make some surprising decisions with their retention and retain some players who appear to be on the verge of being released.

We look at three impact holds that PBKS could make ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.

Atharva Taide

It looks like Atharva Taide will be released, especially due to the emergence of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, but PBKS has some solid reasons to retain him. The most important is his pace game, as Taide is a solid player against pace, something teams want at the top.

Taide opens the innings and can utilize the powerplay taking on the pacers while also providing variety due to being an LHB. His spin game is also improving and with more exposure, he is expected to improve in this area.

Also Read: Three Impact Retentions LSG Could Make Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction

Sam Curran

Sam Curran could not justify his high price in the previous two seasons, as he did not score consistently and was mostly expensive. However, he is still a decent all-rounder who has enough experience playing in the league and can contribute with both bat and ball if used wisely.

Also, PBKS will need a new captain after Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement, and Curran has captained the team previously. He showed tactical astuteness by using his resources properly and setting up correct fielding sets, and PBKS can consider him as their next captain.

Natalia Ellis

Nathan Ellis was very unlucky to play for Punjab Kings in the previous cycle as he did not get as many games as he deserved due to the presence of Kagiso Rabada. Ellis is among the best operators in T20 cricket and is capable of doing well in all phases.

He has a variety of options to remain unpredictable and has a good track record in international cricket and different T20 leagues. PBKS can retain him as one of their main bowlers and have two solid all-phase bowlers in Ellis and Arshdeep.

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