No Place For Stoinis? Maxwell In, Shreyas At 3; PBKS’ Probable Batting Order For IPL 2025

Marcus Stoinis, Shreyas Iyer and Glenn Maxwell [Source: @LucknowIPL/X.com]

Punjab Kings (PBKS), a franchise still searching for their maiden IPL title, have assembled a formidable batting lineup under new leadership. With Shreyas Iyer at the helm, PBKS aims to end their decade-long playoff drought after finishing ninth last season.

The following analysis explores the potential of PBKS's revamped batting order, examining player strengths and optimal positions to maximize effectiveness with the bat across all phases of the game. 

The Opening Firepower Of Prabhsimran and Inglis

Prabhsimran Singh, one of only two players retained by PBKS enters IPL 2025 in stellar form. His recent performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have been exceptional. 

He scored a blistering 125 off 95 balls against Saurashtra and a 150 against Mumbai. Prabhsimran is a powerplay aggressor and his IPL stats of 756 runs at a strike rate of 146.23 speaks the same.

Table - Prabhsimran Singh's IPL stats 

Josh Inglis, acquired for INR 2.60 crore, complements Prabhsimran perfectly with his calculated aggression. Though an IPL debutant, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter has proven his mettle internationally with 706 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 156.89. 

Table - Stats for Josh Inglis as opener in T20Is

The duo will be a perfect threat for new bowlers and can attack and rotate at the same time giving PBKS an edge to build their innings.

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The Middle-Order Spine Of Iyer And Shashank

Shreyas Iyer arrives at PBKS with tremendous momentum after leading India's batting charge in their Champions Trophy triumph. As India's leading run-getter with 243 runs, Iyer has emphatically addressed questions about his technique against short-pitched bowling and will be effective in the middle overs alongside Shashank Singh.

Table - Batting stats in Middle Overs in IPL

Shashank Singh, retained alongside Prabhsimran, provides middle-order stability with explosive finishing capabilities. His impressive performances last season earned him retention and established him as a reliable middle-order option.

Nehal Wadhera And Glenn Maxwell To Finish

Glenn Maxwell, the quintessential game-changer, offers explosive batting with 360-degree hitting capabilities. His ability to dominate spin bowling in the middle overs provides PBKS with a tactical advantage against opposition slow bowlers. 

Nehal Wadhera represents one of IPL 2025's most interesting acquisitions. Transitioning from Mumbai Indians to PBKS with a staggering 2000% salary increase, Wadhera's 350 runs in the previous season at a strike rate of 140 demonstrate his finishing capabilities. 

Table - Batting stats for death overs in IPL

His tally of 32 fours and 18 sixes highlights his boundary-hitting prowess, making him ideally suited to the number six position who can keep up with Maxwell if he fires.

Why No Stoinis?

The batting order misses out on Marcus Stoinis for a couple of reasons. Firstly, PBKS would like to use Lockie Ferguson if he joins IPL and other foreign talents in the pace and spin department. Azmatullah Omarzai and Marco Jansen are in blazing form and PBKS can use them for better bowling mobility.

Also, as far as Stoinis is considered, he is a well-suited alternative for Maxwell. Hence, if either sits out, one can fill the gap for the other.  

Phase-wise Batting Analysis Of PBKS

• Powerplay (Overs 1-6): The powerplay strategy revolves around Prabhsimran and Inglis's complementary skills. The opening combination balances aggression with calculated risk-taking, potentially giving PBKS consistent powerplay platforms.
• Middle Overs (Overs 7-15): Shreyas Iyer's improved technique against short-pitched bowling makes him the perfect anchor during the middle phase with previous season performer Shashank Singh who thrived at No. 4. 
• Death Overs (Overs 16-20): Mad Max's devastating hitting ability makes him PBKS's premier death-overs specialist, particularly against pace bowling. Wadhera's impressive attacking complements Maxwell's power. Together, this finishing combination gives PBKS solid players to bank on.

With Shreyas Iyer's leadership, Prabhsimran and Shashank's domestic form, and international stars like Inglis and Maxwell, PBKS has constructed a balanced batting unit capable of challenging for the title. 

Their first test comes on March 25 against Gujarat Giants, where this batting lineup will have its first opportunity to deliver on its considerable potential.

PBKS' Probable Batting Order

Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera

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