Predicted PBKS playing 11 for the revised schedule of IPL 2025

Last night, we received some positive news: the BCCI confirmed that the 2025 Indian Premier League will resume on Saturday, May 17, with the first match being played between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Kolkata Knight Riders. The date for the final has been pushed to June 3 to accommodate the remaining group games. 

This break in the schedule, amidst heightened tensions at the India-Pakistan border, will undoubtedly impact the momentum of a few teams, especially the ones that were performing well before this unforeseen suspension. One team that might feel a bit hard done could be Punjab Kings, who were on the cusp of qualification with 15 points when their game against Delhi Capitals was suspended midway. 

Ricky Ponting and co. still have their fate very much in their own hands, as they most likely need at least one more win to guarantee a playoff spot. Punjab Kings, fortunately, will have most of their overseas contingent joining them back once again. Marco Jansen flew back to South Africa but is expected to come back before the IPL resumes. Punjab though, are unsure of the availability of Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis, with the former being part of Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship final. 

With that in mind, here’s a look at how Punjab Kings could line up for their game against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. 

Top-order:

Punjab’s top order of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya should continue. Both these youngsters have been a revelation in IPL 2025, scoring plenty of runs at the top of the order. Prabhsimran Singh has scored four fifties on the trot, while Priyansh Arya got big scores against Chennai and Kolkata this year, and will be looking to add to that tally. 

The one down slot will be taken up by skipper Shreyas Iyer, who has had an impressive season. He has 405 runs at an average of 50.63, including four fifties in the competition. 

Supporting him in the middle order will be Nehal Wadhera, who seems to have found his groove with Punjab. The southpaw gives PBKS a left-handed player, who can go after the bowlers right from the word go. The southpaw has also taken down the spinners with ease in IPL 2025. Wadhera is capable of anchoring the innings as well as going aggressive, adaptable as per the situation. 

Middle-order:

Shashank Singh has been solid as a finisher for Punjab this season. The middle order has been a bit of a concern for PBKS, but they have plenty of all-rounders to give that depth needed. Azmatullah Omarzai is a good shout to be batting in the middle order, especially with Maxwell ruled out and Marcus Stoinis’ availability in doubt. 

Following on after him would be Suryansh Shedge, who aced his role as a finisher for Mumbai in the 2024 Mushtaq Ali Trophy. They also have the option of using all-rounder Aaron Hardie, who is yet to get a game in IPL 2025. The middle order could be one area where Punjab run a little thin, but they still pack a punch with plenty of explosive players who can turn the game purely on individual brilliance.  

Bowlers:

Marco Jansen slots in at number 8 for PBKS, as he provides quality with the bat and has been one of their prime fast bowlers. He has performed admirably for Punjab, troubling batters with his extra bounce. Arshdeep Singh will continue to be their primary new-ball and death-over bowler, while Yuzvendra Chahal will shoulder the responsibilities of being the lead spinner. Both players have a wealth of experience in the IPL, and should be easy picks for Punjab Kings. 

Based on match conditions, Punjab could then opt to play Harpreet Brar as an additional spinner, or they could turn to the pace of Xavier Bartlett. Both players have had a few opportunities in the league so far, and will have an important role to play if Punjab are to break their playoff jinx. 

Probable XI

Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c) , Nehal Wadhera, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Maco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh. Yuzvendra Chahal, Xavier Bartlett/ Harpreet Brar.