Why Punjab Kings Looking Completely Different This Year?

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have stormed into IPL 2025 with a swagger that’s turning heads, clinching victories in both their opening matches to emerge as early title contenders. Their latest triumph—a commanding eight-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on Tuesday—has showcased a revitalized squad that’s firing on all cylinders. Sitting second on the points table, just behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), PBKS under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy are displaying a balance and depth that has experts and fans buzzing. So, what’s behind this transformation? Let’s dive into why Punjab Kings are looking like a completely different team this year.

A Dream Start and a Clinical Chase

Against LSG, PBKS made a 172-run chase look like a stroll in the park. Prabhsimran Singh set the tone with a blistering 69 off 34 balls, peppering the boundary with seven fours and four sixes. His 84-run stand with skipper Shreyas Iyer (52* off 30) dismantled LSG’s bowling, while Nehal Wadhera’s unbeaten 43 off 25 balls—coming in as an Impact Player—added the finishing flourish. The chase, completed with 14 balls to spare, highlighted Punjab’s newfound batting depth and composure, a stark contrast to their inconsistent past.

Shreyas Iyer’s Tactical Brilliance

Shreyas Iyer, acquired for INR 26.75 crores in the IPL 2025 auction, has brought a fresh perspective to PBKS. His calm demeanor and sharp game sense have galvanized the team. Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla, speaking on JioStar, lauded Iyer’s leadership:

“His thought process is always different because he knows how to find ways to win. Punjab Kings covered all their bases in the auction, assembling a well-balanced squad. Their middle order is strong, and Nehal Wadhera played a crucial knock. When you have depth on the bench, it gives you flexibility and strong backup options. That’s why Punjab Kings are looking like a completely different team this year.”

Iyer’s ability to adapt—whether setting fields or rotating bowlers—has been complemented by a squad that executes his plans seamlessly, a luxury PBKS haven’t always enjoyed.

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Arshdeep Singh: The Bowling Spearhead

While the batting has dazzled, Punjab’s bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, has been equally pivotal. Against LSG, Arshdeep’s 3/28 in four overs—including the key scalp of Mitchell Marsh (12)—derailed the hosts early. His knack for striking in the powerplay and tightening the screws in the death overs has given PBKS an edge. Kane Williamson, the New Zealand batting maestro, praised Arshdeep’s adaptability:

“He understood that patience and hitting the right areas would yield results. His early breakthrough—dismissing Marsh, who’s been giving LSG strong starts—made a huge impact. Controlling the powerplay sets the tone, and Arshdeep executed his role beautifully, both at the start and in the final over.”

Arshdeep’s evolution into a reliable leader of the attack, supported by the likes of Harshal Patel and debutant Harpreet Brar, has plugged a long-standing weakness for Punjab.

Auction Smarts and Squad Depth

PBKS’s transformation began at the IPL 2025 auction, where they built a squad with no glaring holes. Retaining Arshdeep (INR 18 crores) and Prabhsimran (INR 4 crores) ensured continuity, while splurging on Iyer and adding Nehal Wadhera (INR 4.2 crores) bolstered the batting. The bowling unit, with Arshdeep, Patel (INR 9 crores), and uncapped talents like Brar, offers versatility. This depth—evident in Wadhera’s match-defining cameo—gives Iyer the flexibility to tweak strategies mid-game, a luxury previous PBKS sides lacked.

A Contrast to Past Struggles

Historically, Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) have been perennial underachievers, reaching the playoffs just twice in 17 seasons (2008, 2014). Inconsistent batting, leaky bowling, and questionable captaincy often derailed their campaigns. This year, however, the pieces are falling into place. The top order (Prabhsimran, Iyer) is clicking, the middle order (Wadhera, Jitesh Sharma) is robust, and the bowlers are delivering under pressure—a recipe that’s making PBKS look unrecognizable from their past avatars.

Expert Verdict: A Team to Watch

Piyush Chawla’s optimism reflects a growing consensus: PBKS are no longer pushovers. Their ability to dominate LSG on their home turf—restricting them to 171/7 before chasing it down with ease—signals intent. Williamson’s nod to Arshdeep’s consistency and Chawla’s praise for Iyer’s leadership underline a team that’s peaking early. Even LSG’s struggles, with skipper Rishabh Pant managing just 17 runs in three games, couldn’t overshadow Punjab’s brilliance.

Conclusion

“Punjab Kings are looking completely different this year” isn’t just hyperbole—it’s a reality forged by smart recruitment, inspired leadership, and standout performances. With two wins in the bag and a balanced XI, PBKS are shedding their underdog tag and emerging as genuine contenders. If Iyer’s men maintain this form, the elusive IPL trophy—last won in 2011 as Kings XI Punjab—might finally return to Punjab in 2025. For now, they’re a team reborn, and the IPL is taking notice.