With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are at a crossroads, facing crucial decisions on which players to retain. Under the updated rules, franchises are permitted to retain up to six players, with the first retention capped at ₹18 crore. However, PBKS currently finds itself without a player who may justify such a hefty price tag, raising the question of how to approach the auction.

Who Could PBKS Retain? The team has undergone significant changes, with the departure of former captain Shikhar Dhawan and Ricky Ponting taking over as head coach. The core of the team now includes players like Sam Curran, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, and Liam Livingstone, but whether any of them should occupy the ₹18 crore slot is up for debate.

Sam Curran: Worth the Investment? Sam Curran, the all-rounder who was the most expensive buy in 2021 and served as the stand-in captain last season, is one of the key candidates for retention. While Curran has shown flashes of his abilities as a middle-order batsman and handy bowler, he has not consistently delivered performances that would make him indispensable at such a high price. Under the new leadership of Ricky Ponting, the franchise may consider releasing some of their high-cost English signings, including Curran.

Arshdeep Singh: RTM an Option? Arshdeep Singh has been one of the standout players in India’s T20 setup, and his performances during the 2024 T20 World Cup were noteworthy. While Arshdeep’s contributions are significant, PBKS may find ₹18 crore too steep for his retention. An alternative strategy could involve releasing Arshdeep into the auction pool and using a Right to Match (RTM) card to bring him back at a more reasonable price.

Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone: Valuable but Inconsistent Kagiso Rabada, with his fast bowling prowess, and Liam Livingstone, known for his explosive batting, are also part of PBKS’s core group. However, both players have faced challenges with consistency. Rabada struggled to maintain form in the last season, and Livingstone’s all-round performance has not been steady over multiple games. While they are valuable to the squad, their impact may not be enough to warrant a ₹18 crore retention.

The Punjab Kings are considering a change in leadership ahead of the IPL 2025 season. With Trevor Bayliss’ two-year contract nearing its end, the franchise is unlikely to renew it. Bayliss, who has previously coached Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, is set to step down after a less successful stint with the Kings.

Sources suggest that Punjab Kings are now looking for an Indian coach to lead the team. Former head coach Sanjay Bangar, who currently serves as the director of cricket development, is reportedly among the candidates being considered. Although a decision was expected at a board meeting on July 22, it did not take place, and the search for a new coach continues.

Indian coaches have been in high demand across IPL franchises recently. Rahul Dravid’s achievements with the Indian team, Gautam Gambhir and Chandrakant Pandit’s success with Kolkata Knight Riders, and Ashish Nehra’s role with Gujarat Titans have all highlighted the growing trend.

Bayliss, at 61, has had varied success across different franchises. His recent T20 record has been less impressive, leading to speculation about his future. The Punjab Kings’ ownership is still reviewing last season’s performance and has not made a final decision yet.