5 Players you didn’t know once played for PBKS

Punjab Kings, IPL 2024. (Source – Getty Images)

Punjab Kings, who were formerly known as Kings XI Punjab until 2021, remain one of the four Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, that have never held the IPL gold. Despite having some of the biggest names over the years, they’ve somehow managed to perfect the art of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Their closest chance to glory came in the 2014 edition when they played brilliantly throughout the season but fell short in the summit clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. The unfortunate three-wicket loss in the final has put deep scars on the franchise and fans alike, have struggled to replicate that form since.

The 2021 rebranding to Punjab Kings was done to signal a fresh start, but the story remained similar. They finished sixth that season, losing eight out of the 14 games played. Interestingly, in that season they were one of the favourites to qualify but short of luck and some poor decisions cost them some games in the end.

Meanwhile, some players who struggled in Punjab colours went on to shine elsewhere. Fans have forgotten them because not everyone could make the most of the opportunities given.

Also Check: 5 Players you didn’t know once played for RR

Check out the top five players you didn’t know were part of PBKS:

5. Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif. (Source – IPL/BCCI)

Former Indian batter Mohammed Kaif’s brief stint with Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) began in the 2010 edition and he failed to match the expectations that came with his reputation. After spending two seasons with Rajasthan Royals, Kaif was acquired by Punjab for a substantial sum of US $2,50,000 at the auction table. His tenure with Punjab was disappointing, as he managed just 28 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 93.33. Despite his experience, Kaif failed to keep his place in the playing XI and was eventually dropped from the side.

Following his forgettable stint with Punjab, Kaif moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he played for two seasons before bringing his IPL playing career to an end. Throughout his IPL career, he featured in 29 matches across three teams and scored just 259 runs at a strike rate of 103.60. Interestingly, the the-Allahabad-born took up a coaching, role in the cash-rich league, serving as assistant coach for Gujarat Lions in 2017 under Brad Hodge, and later joined Delhi Capitals in the same capacity for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, respectively.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara. (Source – BCCI/IPL)

Indian batting stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara joined Punjab Kings in 2014. Known as India’s Test specialist, Pujara was given the responsibility of opening the batting alongside the explosive Virender Sehwag in that season. However, his stint with the PBKS franchise turned out to be a brief one. Notably, Pujara played for the Kolkata Knight Riders during the first three seasons of the IPL and made his debut in the 2010 edition. Later RCB purchased him during the 2011 player auction and he represented them for three seasons. Following that, he came into the Punjab camp after being purchased for US $3,16,000.

In his six matches for the side, Pujara managed to score 125 runs at an average of 25, striking at just over 100 with his highest score being 40 not out. Despite his classical technique and solid defensive game, Pujara struggled to accelerate when required. After having not been picked by any franchise for the 2015 IPL season, the veteran returned to the league after six years with Chennai Super Kings picking him up in 2021.

3. T. Natarajan

Natarajan. (Source – BCCI/IPL)

Left-arm pacer T. Natarajan is another interesting name on this list. The 33-year-old started his IPL career with PBKS after being picked for US $5,00,000 in the 2017 edition, making him the highest-paid uncapped Indian player that season. However, the Tamil Nadu-born’s time in Punjab turned out to be a short stint. Appearing in just six matches for Punjab, Natarajan struggled to make a huge impact, managing only two wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 9.07 with best bowling figures of 1/26.

After spending one year with the Kings, the speedster was back on the auction table in the next season and was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad. His breakthrough came in 2020 when he picked up 16 wickets in as many games, earning him an Indian team call-up across all formats. His best season with the ball was in 2022 when he bagged 18 wickets from 11 matches and was the second-highest wicket-taker for his team.

Also Check: 5 Players you didn’t know once played for KKR

2. Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh. (Source – Gabba Cricket/Twitter)

Explosive left-hand batter Rinku Singh also started his IPL career with Punjab. In February 2017, Singh was bought at the IPL auction for US $1,00,370. Though Rinku saw the glitz and glamour of the IPL through PBKS but didn’t make his debut for them and was back under the hammer in the 2018 season. This time it was Kolkata Knight Riders who acquired his services and made him into one of IPL’s most reliable finishers.

Rinku’s breakthrough moment came in a historic match against Gujarat Titans in 2023, where he smashed five consecutive sixes in the final over to seal an improbable victory. The 2023 IPL season proved to be a breakthrough year for Rinku, as he scored 474 runs. The southpaw has so far managed to smash 893 runs in 45 matches at an average of 30.79 and a strike rate of 143.34. In the same year, he also received his maiden Indian call-up and made debuts in both T20Is and ODIs. Furthermore, with IPL 2025 approaching, Rinku is a contender for earning a retention spot for the defending champions, KKR.

1. Stuart Broad

Legendary England fast bowler Stuart Broad who finished his International cricket career with 604 Test wickets, never bowled a single delivery in the world’s most prestigious T20 league, despite being on Punjab Kings’ (then Kings XI Punjab) roster for two consecutive seasons. In 2011, Punjab secured Broad’s services for US $4,00,000 at the auction, viewing him as a potential game-changer with his height and seam movement.

However, a side strain during the World Cup forced him to withdraw from the tournament. The following year a calf injury sidelined the speedster once again, ending his IPL aspirations. Since then Broad never put his name in the auction to continue his focus in the longest format of the game.