IPL 2025: Arshdeep Or KL Rahul; Who Will PBKS Target From The Marquee Set In The Mega Auction?

Punjab Kings has a purse of INR 110.5 crore for IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @ImTanujSingh,@sarandeep_/X.com]

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are stepping into the IPL 2025 mega auction with the highest pursue amount of INR 110.5 crores. They retained only 2 uncapped players, Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, at the retention deadline. 

PBKS have had a history of annually overhauling their squad at every auction table. This year as well, history will repeat itself as PBKS will sit with INR 110.5 crores auction purse. 

They saved money and retained two uncapped players, Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, for INR 4 crore and 5.5 crore, respectively. With only INR 9.5 crore spent on retention, Punjab will embark on a shopping spree in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 

Punjab Kings are rumoured to use an RTM card for Arshdeep Singh, India's premier white-ball format pacer. However, the latter's Instagram activity raised suspicion about his intent to reunite with his former team. 

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Will Punjab Kings Bid For Arshdeep Singh?

Arshdeep Singh's release from PBKS raised many eyebrows, and the pacer's unfollowing Punjab on Instagram only added fuel to the rumours about the rift. Hence, it's quite plausible for PBKS not to use RTM for Arshdeep. In such cases, the team can target Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Shami, Mohammad Siraj, and Mitchell Starc to strengthen the bowling attack.

KL Rahul Perfect Fit For PBKS?

One of the most sought after marquee players, KL Rahul is on multiple team's radar, including RCB and DC. However, PBKS is likely to pursue Rahul aggressively. They previously had Rahul on their lineup when he was just breaking out and besides being a quality wicket-keeper batting option, Rahul is an ideal captaincy pick PBKS needs to rebuild the franchise. 

Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant Equally On PBKS Radar

With the kind of purse amount PBKS possess, they are expected to bid for every marquee player from the first 2 sets. If Rahul lands elsewhere, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant are the next two targets for Punjab. Both are proven international players with notable captaincy experience. Besides, Punjab might also target premier spin option Yuzvendra Chahal.

Conclusion

PBKS has INR 110.5 crores to spend at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The management would be very disappointed if they fail to land at least 2-3 marquee players. From batting core to leading pacer, PBKS has gaps to fill in every department. Hence, they won't rest until the entire purse is exhausted. It's important for Kings to buy either Rahul, Iyer, and Pant whilst also pacifying Arshdeep for a reunion.

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