PBKS best playing XI for IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer at no.3, studded middle-order ft. Maxwell & balanced spin-pace unit

Punjab Kings will be looking for a fresh start in IPL 2025 after revamping their entire squad ahead of the new season. With Rs 26.75 cr buy Shreyas Iyer joining the side, PBKS have a formidable middle-order and bowling unit that can be a nightmare for other teams. The likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Arshdeep Singh, Chahal among others are names that will terrorize the opposition.

Josh Inglis & Prabhsimran Singh for openers

Punjab Kings will look to Australian batter Josh Inglis to be their new opener for IPL 2025. The keeper-batter will pair up with Prabhsimran Singh to form the opening unit. While Singh has prior experience of opening for the franchise in the past, Inglis will be tasked with a new role as he has majority of experience in batting at positions from number three onwards. PBKS also have the option of using young Priyansh Arya as an opener. The uncapped star sizzled in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) earlier this year and is Delhi’s opener in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, it is more likely for the team to ask Inglis to open the innings, given that he has a better strike rate compared to Arya.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer at no.3

Shreyas Iyer, who made his move from KKR to PBKS in IPL 2025 auction, will be the new number three batter for the franchise. He is also expected to take up captaincy as he reunites with head coach Ricky Ponting in IPL 2025. With 3127 runs to his name, Iyer is no stranger to batting in the middle-order and will certainly make an impact for PBKS.

Latest news

Power-packed middle-order ft. Maxwell, Stoinis

If there’s one area that PBKS have aced in IPL 2025 auction, then it is building a star-studded middle-order. The franchise managed to acquire the services of the destructive Australian duo of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis – both batters who are no strangers to IPL or big hitting. ‘Big Show’ Maxwell has 2771 runs from 134 IPL games at a mind-boggling strike rate of 156.73. His partner, Marcus Stoinis, has amassed 1866 runs from from 96 matches and boasts of a strike rate of 142.01.

Uncapped player Musheer Khan, who made heads turn with his performance in U19 World Cup and Ranji Trophy, is another valuable addition to PBKS’ middle-order.

Well-balanced spin unit ft. Chahal

Call it a steal deal or a valuable addition, Yuzvendra Chahal‘s move to PBKS is indeed a very good news for the franchise. With 205 wickets to his name in IPL, the spinner is arguably one of the best bowlers in the history of the tournament. He will be pairing up with Punjab’s own Harpreet Brar who sizzled in IPL 2024. With 25 wickets to his name from 41 matches, Brar is easily one of the best spinners who could partner with Chahal on the other end. Together, the duo could potentially spin the opposition into misery. Not to forget, Glenn Maxwell can also contribute effectively with the ball in the spin department.

Pace department led by Arshdeep Singh

PBKS’ lead pacer Arshdeep Singh found himself back into the franchise after being released ahead of the IPL auction. With 76 wickets from 65 games, the Punjab pacer is indeed one of the best Indian bowlers in the shortest format of the game and is also one of the most highest and consistent wicket-takers for PBKS in the past. He will join forces with ex-SRH pacer Marco Jansen and former RCB bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak to complete a formidable pace unit for PBKS.

1. Josh Inglis

2. Prabhsimran Singh

3. Shreyas Iyer (C)

4. Glenn Maxwell

5. Marcus Stoinis

6. Musheer Khan

7. Harpreet Brar

8. Yuzvendra Chahal

9. Marco Jansen

10. Arshdeep Singh

11. Vijaykumar Vyshak

Impact player: Azmatullah Omerzai