Punjab Kings (KXIP) IPL 2025 Squad: Confirmed Retention List & Auction Targets

Mohali: Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) have once again hit the reset button ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. In a bold move, the franchise has decided to release majority of its squad, retaining only two core Indian uncapped players, giving them the largest purse in the auction history.

Under the guidance of their new Head Coach, Ricky Ponting, PBKS seems determined to build a title-winning squad from scratch. Here is the complete breakdown of their strategy.

Confirmed Retained Players List

Punjab Kings surprised everyone by releasing Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, and Liam Livingstone. Their retention list is short and strategic:

Player Name	Role	Price	Status
Prabhsimran Singh	Wicketkeeper-Batter	₹4 Cr	Uncapped
Shashank Singh	All-rounder	₹4 Cr	Uncapped

Key Released Players

The list of released players includes some big names who will now enter the auction pool:

• Shikhar Dhawan (Retired/Released)
• Arshdeep Singh (Expected RTM Target)
• Sam Curran
• Jonny Bairstow
• Jitesh Sharma

Auction Strategy: Who Will KXIP Buy?

With a purse of ₹110 Crore, Punjab Kings are the "Kings" of the auction table. Rumors suggest they are targeting a new Indian captain.

1. Rohit Sharma: If MI releases Rohit, Punjab is expected to go all out for him. They need a captain and a brand face. Read more about Rohit's situation here.

2. Rishabh Pant: With Pant potentially leaving Delhi Capitals, Ponting might want to reunite with his former protégé.

3. Arshdeep Singh: PBKS will likely use their Right to Match (RTM) card to bring back their star left-arm pacer, Arshdeep Singh.

Potential Playing XI (Prediction)

(Assuming Auction Buys)

1. Rohit Sharma (C)
2. Prabhsimran Singh
3. Steve Smith
4. Shashank Singh
5. Glenn Maxwell (Return?)
6. Jitesh Sharma (RTM)
7. All-rounder (Overseas)
8. Spinner (Chahal/Ashwin)
9. Kagiso Rabada (RTM)
10. Arshdeep Singh (RTM)
11. Harshal Patel

Can Punjab Kings finally end their trophy drought in 2025? The auction will decide their fate.