Punjab Kings. (Source – IPL)
The Punjab Kings might be the only other franchise barring the Delhi Capitals which have constantly underachieved ever since the inception of the Indian Premier League. Over the years, PBKS have always assembled a squad that has been viewed as a strong one on paper. Unfortunately, what ultimately matters is the performance on the field, something which PBKS have always fallen short of.
The past couple of seasons have been quite disappointing, in particular. The franchise finished eighth and ninth, respectively. The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India is yet to finalize the number of retentions which franchises will be allowed to make as well as the utilization of the Right To Match cards.
Here are the three players who are most likely to be retained by PBKS:
3. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh. (Source -IPL)
The lanky turbanator can be expensive in the 20-over format at times, which he has been on most occasions. However, the left-arm pacer proved all his haters wrong after he well and truly came of age at the T20 World Cup 2024, where Arshdeep Singh emerged as the joint-leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets in just eight matches at just 7.16 runs per over.
He carried forward the good work into the T20I leg of the Sri Lanka tour as well, and nailed his lenghts and variations particularly well against the islanders, for which he reaped rewards. The 2023 and 2024 editions of the IPL were rewarding for Arshdeep, with him managing to secure 17 and 19 wickets, respectively.
The 2023 and 2024 editions of the IPL were rewarding for Arshdeep, with him managing to secure 17 and 19 wickets, respectively. The continual improvement which Arshdeep has shown in terms of his death bowling is sure to be an exciting prospect for the Kings’ management going forward.
2. Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh. (Source – IPL)
Considering the incredible campaign that the hard-hitting batter from Gorakhpur went through, PBKS will find solace in their grave error of picking the wrong Shashank during the 2024 auction. In fact, of the seven seasons he’s been a part of, Shashank Singh has only played twice; with his second season with PBKS being one to remember for him.
Shashank imploded into potent form, blasting 354 runs in 14 matches at an imperious strike rate of 164.65. The numbers garnered by him have been better by a mile as compared to his debut season in which he could muster only 69 in 10 innings.
There were numerous instances where Shashank rescued his team from treacherous situations, something which the management will surely take into consideration. His ability to stabilize the innings before going hammer and tongs will also be one of the key factors holding him in good stead.
1. Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan. (Source – IPL)
Despite being out of contention in terms of the opening slot for the Indian team be it any format, the stylish Southpaw has always managed to perform incredibly well at the marquee event. It’s not for nothing that Shikhar Dhawan is the second leading run-getter in the history of the IPL (6769 runs in 222 matches), as well as the record for registering the most number of fours.
The only concern with him would be his lack of game time as well as his age due to Dhawan might become more injury-prone. However, he has had a flawless track record for most IPL seasons which might just skew the team management’s minds towards the star batter.
Another point to be noted is that a left-right combination up top would be much better suited as compared to both the openers having the same dominant hand, which could override the lack of game time and turn the odds of retention in Dhawan’s favour.
