IPL 2025: 3 Players Punjab Kings Will Target Via RTM In Mega Auction

Jatin

Arshdeep Singh & Kagiso Rabada [iplt20.com]Arshdeep Singh & Kagiso Rabada [iplt20.com]

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Punjab Kings (PBKS) made the biggest buzz when they announced their IPL 2025 retention list. While other teams decided to hold onto as many players as they could, PBKS decided to shake things up big time and went for a major overhaul. They’ve retained only two players: Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh.

Here is a look at the list of PBKS’ retained players

Shashank Singh for INR 5.5 crores
Prabhsimran Singh for INR 4 crores

This move leaves them with a whopping INR 110.5 crores in their pocket to go wild at the auction. Now, the burning question: Will PBKS pull out their RTM (Right to Match) card to bring back a few of their past stars?

PBKS will eye a few players from their IPL 2024 campaign to use the RTM. Here are three players PBKS might target -

Will PBKS Use the RTM for Arshdeep Singh?

Arshdeep Singh’s been nothing short of a gem for PBKS. He’s played 65 matches and snagged 76 wickets with best figures of 5/32. You don’t see many Indian bowlers pulling off those kinds of figures in the IPL. And he’s got a knack for doing it when it matters most, especially in those nail-biting death overs.

Arshdeep’s stats speak loud and clear. His economy rate is 9.03, and his strike rate is 17.95 – pretty impressive for someone handling the high-pressure overs. Plus, he’s a guy who brings energy and fights till the last ball. PBKS fans love him, and the team knows he’s worth every rupee they’ve spent on him.

So, should PBKS use their RTM card on him? If they’re looking to keep their pace attack strong and steady, Arshdeep’s definitely the guy to bring back.

Will PBKS Use the RTM for Kagiso Rabada?

Since joining PBKS in 2022, Kagiso Rabada has been a powerhouse. His IPL career numbers speak for themselves: 117 wickets in 80 matches with an average of 21.97. The South African speedster has proven his mettle with a bowling strike rate of 15.54 and economy of 8.48.

However, Rabada’s performance in the last couple of seasons hasn’t been the best. In 2024, he picked up just 11 wickets in 11 games at an average of 33.82. And in 2023, it wasn’t much better. However, he’s the kind of bowler who can change the complexion of the game in a flash and it wouldn’t be a surprise if PBKS uses RTM card for him.

Will PBKS Use the RTM for Liam Livingstone?

Now, Liam Livingstone is a name every Punjab fan remembers. Bought in 2022 for a staggering ₹11.5 crore, he came out swinging that year, racking up 437 runs at an electric strike rate of 182.08.

Known for his massive sixes and handy leg-spin, Livingstone is the kind of all-rounder who can shift a game’s momentum in an over. While his form dipped in the following seasons, his international performances have picked up steam.

Livingstone has a fan following in Punjab and knows the franchise inside out. Bringing him back with the RTM could be just the shot in the arm PBKS needs to add firepower to their middle order and variety to their bowling attack.