IPL 2025: What is the reason behind the success of Punjab Kings? Check details

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lauded the Punjab Kings (PBKS) management for their strategic and thoughtful approach during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Gavaskar's praise came following PBKS' impressive seven-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday, May 26, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This crucial win not only highlighted PBKS’s strong form this season but also secured them a spot in the top two of the league standings — a position that offers a significant advantage in the playoffs. Led by captain Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings have enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent memory, and Gavaskar credited much of that success to the franchise’s auction decisions.

Punjab Kings storm into Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025

He emphasized that the management's player selections were spot-on, allowing the team to find the right balance of experience, youth, and match-winners. According to Gavaskar, the planning and execution during the auction laid the foundation for PBKS’s consistent performances throughout the tournament. The win against MI was a dominant display, with both bat and ball clicking at the right time. PBKS’s disciplined approach and sharp team strategy have turned them into genuine title contenders this season, and the praise from a legend like Gavaskar only reinforces their growing stature in IPL 2025.

At the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Punjab Kings took a bold and unconventional route by assembling a relatively inexperienced squad. The decision raised several eyebrows, and many doubted their chances of making a deep run in the tournament — even with a tactically sharp captain in Shreyas Iyer and the seasoned leadership of head coach Ricky Ponting. Critics questioned whether a squad with limited IPL exposure could compete with more established line-ups.

However, as the season unfolded, Punjab Kings turned those doubts into silence with their spirited and consistent performances. The team’s young Indian talents stepped up in key moments, while the overseas players seamlessly blended into the squad, creating a well-rounded unit. This remarkable team chemistry and trust in the process paid off handsomely as Punjab not only delivered strong performances throughout the league stage but also secured a coveted spot in Qualifier 1. Their victory march to the top two is a testament to smart planning, fearless leadership, and the hunger of players eager to make a mark. Now, with the playoff stage set to begin in Mullanpur on Thursday, May 29, PBKS stands just two wins away from their first-ever IPL title — and the cricketing world is finally paying attention.

Punjab Kings' success in IPL 2025 has been fueled by the rise of several uncapped Indian players and impactful performances from key overseas stars. Young talents like Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Shashank Singh have shown remarkable composure under pressure, stepping up in crucial moments throughout the tournament. Their ability to handle high-stakes situations has added depth and resilience to the squad. In addition to the Indian contingent, overseas players have played a vital role in Punjab’s campaign. Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been particularly impressive, delivering a match-winning knock of 73 off just 42 balls against Mumbai Indians — a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. South African all-rounder Marco Jansen has also contributed significantly with both bat and ball in key encounters. 

"Nobody took Punjab Kings seriously. They have also picked wisely at the auction, where they got lot of young, uncapped Indian players. They have seen them. They have seen what they have done, where they have done. There are so many of these state leagues which are happening but you can't always go by what's happening in the state leagues. The bowling attacks may not always be good," stated former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar. 

"Even then if somebody like a Priyansh Arya hits seven sixes you know that this guy has talent. Picking the international players too. They have done it really well. Full marks to them. Really happy for them. I told you before the start of the match that a new name will be written on the trophy, well," he further added.