IPL 2025: 3 Punjab Kings Players Who Did Well In SMAT 2024

Akshita Patel

Top 3 SMAT performers for Punjab Kings [Source: @NishantMShakya, @delhi_cricket/X.com]Top 3 SMAT performers for Punjab Kings [Source: @NishantMShakya, @delhi_cricket/X.com]

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 edition was a platform for promising youngsters from India to showcase their talent. With Mumbai clinching the title after beating Madhya Pradesh, an eventful edition has come to an end.

Punjab Kings did, however, have many takeaways from the season of SMAT 2024. From captain Shreyas Iyer to other notable uncapped stars, several players associated with PBKS had a decent run. Meanwhile, with the Syed Mushtaq Ali season coming to an end, here are three such players from PBKS who grabbed the limelight with notable contributions.

3. Priyansh Arya

Priyansh Arya, PBKS [Source: @jospritbumrah93/X.com]Priyansh Arya, PBKS [Source: @jospritbumrah93/X.com]

Priyansh Arya, the 23-year-old batting sensation, was worth every penny of his INR 3.80 crore price tag at the IPL 2025 auction as he made an outstanding display in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. With Delhi, Arya scored 296 runs in 8 matches with a stunning 102 and maintained an impressive average of 42.28 with a blazing strike rate of 181.59. 

Having a century and a fifty under his belt, Arya proved he can score under pressure. Thus, it makes him the game-changer for PBKS. His performances for SMAT have kept much on him, as one of the players to watch out for in IPL 2025.

2. Prabhsimran Singh

Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS [Source: @LiviNation23/X.com]Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS [Source: @LiviNation23/X.com]

Retained by Punjab Kings for INR 4 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Prabhsimran Singh has reinforced the franchise’s faith with a solid showing in the SMAT 2024. The dynamic opener scored 207 runs in 6 matches for Punjab at an impressive strike rate of 165.60 and an average of 34.50, with a top score of 62. 

Prabhsimran’s ability to provide fiery starts makes him an integral part of PBKS’ plans, especially after being one of just two players retained by the franchise alongside Shashank Singh. As PBKS prepares for the new season, Prabhsimran is expected to continue his role as a key opener, adding firepower at the top of the order.

1. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer, PBKS [Source: @subasri_41/X.com]Shreyas Iyer, PBKS [Source: @subasri_41/X.com]

Potential captain of PBKS, Shreyas Iyer, led Mumbai to SMAT 2024 title victory. He became the first player to lead both an IPL and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title-winning team in the same year. Iyer himself finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the SMAT 2024, amassing 345 runs in nine games at an average of 49.28, including a century. 

Iyer’s role as a versatile leader has been further cemented with his anticipated captaincy at Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, making him the first player in history to lead three different IPL teams. In short, PBKS will feel satisfied with his performance in general, especially after having pocketed INR 26.75 crores for Shreyas Iyer.