The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are having a disappointing run in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), currently lying in 9th place with just 4 wins out of 12 matches, their playoff hopes were dashed after a loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The franchise’s poor form over the years also reflected this year where they just managed to reach playoffs twice in 17 long years.
As they look ahead for a fresh start in the 2025 season, the question arises: who should they retain?
Retention Rules for IPL 2025
There were speculations around the retentions being increased to 8 to allow the teams to maintain their stability with their core squad ahead of the mega auction. However, no official confirmation has been provided by the IPL or BCCI in this regard.
According to IPL rules, a team can retain a maximum of four players. However, teams are not allowed to retain more than three Indian players or two overseas players. Retention of uncapped players is also capped at two.
Punjab Kings’ possible retentions ahead of the 2025 season
If Punjab Kings go for the maximum of four retentions ahead of the mega auction, the franchise would like to retain their Indian uncapped finishers duo of Shashank Singh and Harshal Patel, who produced some excellent finishes in the tournament. Arshadeep Singh is another high probability to get retained considering his heroics at the international level as well.
Shashank Singh: Coming into the team from an accidental purchase, Shashank proved everyone wrong with his sublime hitting at the backend of the innings. The Chattisgarh-born player scored 352 from 12 games at an impressive strike rate of 168.42. His hitting abilities in the game against KKR, where they chased the highest total in T20 history have spellbound everyone.
Shashank has shown a lot of promise and could well be a great prospect if groomed well in the upcoming seasons for the Kings.
Harshal Patel: Harshal Patel has continued his purple patch this season. The fast spinner, as he is sarcastically called picked up 20 wickets in the season and currently holds the Purple Cap. His variations were spot-on in the death overs and limited the opposition from scoring big.
Punjab Kings will rely on the capabilities and skills of Harshal and may retain him ahead of the mega auction.
Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep Singh has proved his worth in the cricketing arena with his exceptional death-bowling skills. Though he looked a bit off, his selection in the T20 WC squad signifies his worth in any team. Arshdeep picked up 16 wickets but a bit higher side on the economy with 10.32.
Kings will probably back this left-arm pacer and hope for a bigger performance in the next season.
Jonny Bairstow: The English dashing opener has scored 284 runs from 10 innings so far, which includes a match-winning 108* against KKR in the highest T20 chase. Apart from that innings, Bairstow didn’t make any significant contributions in the season. But his presence at the top is always an added advantage for the team.
Special Mentions: Ashutosh Sharma
The dashing right-handed batsman is another debutant along with the Shashank this season. Despite playing his first IPL, Ashutosh demonstrated his abilities in the highest order smashing world-class bowlers like Bumrah. In 7 innings so far, Ashutosh piled up 170 runs at a mammoth strike rate of 171.71.
Ashutosh also produced swashbuckling knocks in the domestic circuit including a 11-ball 50. His prolific finishing skills will be in the spotlight for the Punjab Kings to include him in the squad.
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