Punjab Kings have retained just two players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. They have retained their uncapped players.
Punjab Kings, who finished 9th in the table last season, are the only team not to have retained any of their capped players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. This means they are looking to build a new squad from scratch.
One of the biggest names they have let go is Arshdeep Singh, their homegrown player. In addition to him, Punjab Kings have also released several other players who were important in the previous season.
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Punjab Kings have retained just two players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. They have retained their uncapped players.
Their Retentions are:
Since Punjab Kings have retained two players before the auction, they will have four RTM (Right to Match) cards available. Teams can retain or use RTM on a maximum of six players, with at least one being an uncapped player.
However, it’s important to note that Punjab Kings cannot use RTM on uncapped players, as they’ve already retained two uncapped players. The rule allows teams to retain or use RTM on only two uncapped players. As a result, they can use their four RTM cards on any capped player but not on someone like Ashutosh Sharma, who is uncapped.
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Punjab Kings have retained only two players, which leaves them with several options for using their RTM cards. They can choose from players like Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, and Liam Livingstone.
The pacer will be PBKS’s top RTM priority, given his strong IPL record and recent success at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Despite the surprise of releasing him, Punjab may have hoped to secure him for less than his INR 18 crore retention price. However, with his excellent form, Arshdeep could fetch more in the auction, making PBKS’s RTM decision crucial.
Punjab’s decision to release Jitesh Sharma was surprising, considering his aggressive batting style and impressive strike rate of 151 in three IPL seasons. Though he hasn’t had much success in nine T20Is, Punjab may have felt they could bring him back for less price through RTM. This approach is similar to their strategy with Arshdeep Singh.
One of the top fast bowlers globally, Rabada played a crucial role in South Africa’s success at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Having been with Punjab for the last three IPL seasons, where he took 41 wickets in 30 matches, PBKS might use their RTM card to bring him back in the mega auction.
Bought by PBKS in 2022, Livingstone has been a consistent performer with both bat and ball. After a strong comeback in his international career, he has shown impressive form recently. Given his all-round abilities and match-winning potential, PBKS might consider using their RTM card to bring him back for the 2025 season.
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