The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have had a turbulent journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL), often showing promise at the start of each season but failing to maintain momentum as the tournament progresses. With a history of underperformance, the franchise is now looking to reshape its squad ahead of the 2025 IPL season.
The upcoming mega auction offers a crucial opportunity for PBKS to retain key players using the Right to Match (RTM) card, a strategic tool that allows teams to bring back specific players from the auction pool. Here are three players PBKS should consider using their RTM cards for in the IPL 2025 auction:
1. Sam Curran
Star English allrounder Sam Curran has proven his worth to the Punjab Kings, both as a player and a leader. Curran stepped up as the team’s captain in the absence of regular skipper Shikhar Dhawan during the last two seasons, demonstrating a calm and composed leadership style.
Despite the team’s overall lackluster performance, Curran’s contributions with both bat and ball under pressure have been significant. His ability to perform in clutch situations, coupled with his leadership qualities, makes him an essential asset for PBKS. Given his integral role in the team’s culture and his potential to lead the franchise in the future, Curran is likely to be at the top of PBKS’s list for retention through the RTM card.
2. Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh, the hard-hitting batter from Gorakhpur, had a breakout season in IPL 2024. After several years of limited opportunities, Shashank finally made his mark with PBKS, amassing 354 runs in 14 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 164.65. His performances were a revelation, especially considering his previous season’s tally of just 69 runs in 10 innings.
Shashank’s ability to stabilize the innings before launching into aggressive play was crucial in several matches, rescuing PBKS from difficult situations. His consistency and explosive batting make him a valuable player for PBKS, and the management will undoubtedly consider retaining him as they look to build a more resilient squad for the future.
3. Ashutosh Sharma
Another emerging talent PBKS should consider retaining is Ashutosh Sharma, a young middle-order batter who impressed during the IPL 2024 season. Ashutosh showcased his potential as a reliable finisher, playing critical innings that often turned the tide in PBKS’s favor.
His maturity and composure under pressure were remarkable for a player of his age, and his partnership with Shashank Singh in several games was instrumental in the team’s comeback efforts. With his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations, Ashutosh could become a cornerstone of PBKS’s future lineup, making him a prime candidate for retention using the RTM card.