Punjab Kings (PBKS) have made a bold approach to end their lengthy wait for their first title by assembling a well-balanced roster under new head coach Ricky Ponting. With the biggest purse of INR 110.5 Crores in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction, PBKS made numerous high-profile, costly and tactical deals. Keeping important players like Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, the franchise has addressed vital areas like top-order batting, finishers, and death-over experts.

With a new strategy and clever additions, PBKS is ready for a potential IPL 2025 season, hoping to break its pattern of unreliability and win its first-ever coveted title. As it implies, it is no surprise that they are one of the favourites to emerge victorious for the forthcoming title. That said, here we look at the two strengths and one weakness of the newest version of the Punjab Kings squad.

Punjab Kings 2025 IPL Squad: Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera, Harpreet Brar, Vishnu Vinod, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Kuldeep Sen, Priyansh Arya, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, Pyla Avinash, Pravin Dubey.

2 Strengths:

Shreyas Iyer

As the title says it all, no sugarcoating and just cutting to the chase, Shreyas Iyer is the vital strength aspect that Punjab Kings possesses for the 2025 edition of the tournament. After releasing almost everyone from their previous squad, their higher purse value and tactical strategies have given them a chance to completely renovate their team, with Shreyas Iyer's acquisition as the captain being the foundation stone of it.

Whether clinching titles in the domestic circuit for the Mumbai Cricket Team or leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third-ever IPL title, Iyer could convert the dream of the Punjab Kings winning an IPL title into a reality. His impeccable performance with the willow and abilities to bolster the top and middle order is the icing on the cake. It will be interesting to see how the side's colossal INR 26.75 Crore investment in him would be a game-changing move for the team ever since its inception.

Star-studded lineup across all departments

Punjab Kings is a franchise that spent a hefty on several overseas and emerging players in the previous IPL auctions. Though many of them couldn't convert it into valuable performances and ended up on the losing side, this time,e it's been different. With robust intent and valid tactical aspects, Punjab Kings has undergone significant restructuring in a king-size way.

The Punjab Kings' bowling squad, including IPL's leading wicket-taker, Yuzvendra Chahal, reliable wicket-taker Arshdeep Singh the tall and dangerous Marco Jansen, and Kiwi quick Lockie Ferguson, demonstrates their versatility and strength. Also, under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis and Shashank Singh are key players who will most likely bat in the middle order for the side as they go all guns blazing with the bat, where we can expect some high-scoring innings.

1 Weakness:

Limited reliable emerging and domestic campaigners

The Punjab Kings have a good foundation of elite international players and a robust lineup of Indian talent. However, their bench aspect across all the departments is questionable. They lack seasoned domestic Indian players with a successful IPL record. While players like Vishnu Vinod, Nehal Wadhera, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Musheer Khan show potential in the IPL ecosystem, they have yet to influence and impact the competition significantly.

This lack of experience in the backup-hitting lineup might be an issue if their key batters are injured or out of form. In the absence of competent domestic alternatives, the Punjab Kings may struggle to find adequate choices in critical moments, perhaps exposing their batting depth.

Punjab Kings Set to Announced IPL 2025 Captain on Bigg Boss 18 Tonight

During a weekend episode of Bigg Boss 18, that happened on January 12, and was led by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, the team Punjab Kings (PBKS) released a very important announcement. They said Shreyas Iyer is going to be their leader for the Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2025. This was a first  IPL team ever revealed on who's leading them by using a reality TV show. It's a new combination of playing cricket and watching TV.

The announcement, which took place around 9:30 PM IST, followed weeks of speculation. PBKS had broken the bank at the IPL 2025 auction, securing Iyer for a whopping INR 26.75 crore. With his proven leadership credentials, including guiding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title last season, Iyer was the clear frontrunner for the role. The promo featuring Iyer, along with Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh, had already heightened anticipation among fans. This announcement reflects PBKS's ambitions to end their playoff drought and aim for their first IPL title since their final appearance in 2014.

🚨 IPL CAPTAIN'S ANNOUCEMENT IN BIG BOSS SHOW...!!! 🚨

- Salman Khan will announce Shreyas Iyer as Punjab Kings' captain for IPL 2025 tonight on Big Boss. pic.twitter.com/cusn9NZfRp

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 12, 2025

Shreyas Iyer: The Leading Contender

Shreyas Iyer is going to be the captain for Punjab Kings in the 2025 IPL season. They announced it on January 12 when Salman Khan was hosting Bigg Boss 18. It's not surprising they picked Iyer the individual's really proficient at leading.

Last season, Iyer captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title, ending a decade long title drought. Despite his success, KKR chose not to retain him or use their Right to Match (RTM) card during the IPL 2025 auction, allowing PBKS to swoop in and secure him for a massive INR 26.75 crore.

With Iyer’s leadership and PBKS's strategic acquisitions, including star leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, the franchise aims to break their playoff drought. PBKS last qualified for the playoffs in 2014, where they reached the final but fell short of the trophy. By bringing in proven match winners like Iyer, PBKS hopes to change their fortunes and contend for their maiden IPL title. Shreyas Iyer’s appointment signals a new era for Punjab Kings, with renewed determination and ambition for IPL 2025.

ALSO READ: Karun Nair's Historic Fourth Consecutive Century Powers Vidarbha to Semis

All Eyes on Bigg Boss 18 Tonight

The Punjab Kings, also known as PBKS, pulled off a surprise by picking Shreyas Iyer to be their captain for the 2025 IPL season. They shared this news on the show Bigg Boss 18, which Salman Khan hosts. This happened on the January 12 weekend episode. It's very amazing how it shows sports and entertainment coming together in India.

This groundbreaking move reflects a sharp and informed marketing strategy, leveraging the popularity of reality TV to connect with a broader audience. It’s a first for Indian cricket, blending the excitement of the IPL with the glamour of Bigg Boss.

Shreyas Iyer, secured by PBKS for a massive INR 26.75 crore at the auction, stood out as the obvious choice for captaincy. His leadership credentials were cemented last season when he guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title, breaking a 10-year drought. With his appointment, PBKS hopes to end their own playoff drought and aim for their maiden IPL trophy, having last reached the final in 2014.

By mixing cricket with entertainment, PBKS has not only raised anticipation for the IPL 2025 season but also set a precedent for how sports teams can engage with fans in new and creative ways.

PBKS full squad for IPL 2025

Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Arshdeep Singh (Rs. 18 crore), Shreyas Iyer (Rs. 26.75 crore), Yuzvendra Chahal (Rs. 18 crore), Marcus Stoinis (Rs. 11 crore), Glenn Maxwell (Rs. 4.20 crore), Nehal Wadhera (Rs. 4.20 crore), Harpreet Brar (Rs. 1.50 crore), Vishnu Vinod (Rs. 95 lakh), Vijaykumar Vyshak (Rs. 1.80 crore), Yash Thakur (Rs. 1.60 crore), Marco Jansen (Rs. 7 crore), Josh Inglis (Rs. 2.60 crore), Lockie Ferguson (Rs. 2 crore), Azmatullah Omarzai (Rs. 2.40 crore), Harnoor Pannu (Rs. 30 lakh), Kuldeep Sen (Rs. 80 lakh), Priyansh Arya (Rs. 3.80 crore), Aaron Hardie (Rs. 1.25 crore), Musheer Khan (Rs. 30 lakh), Suryansh Shedge (Rs. 30 lakh), Xavier Bartlett (Rs. 80 lakh), Pyla Avinash (Rs. 30 lakh), Pravin Dubey (Rs. 30 lakh).

Cricket Meets Drama: Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh Light Up Bigg Boss 18

Bigg Boss 18, viewers received a special surprise when cricketers Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh dropped by for a special guest appearance. The mix of their charm, funny stories, and wonderful humor brought a new flavor to the usual conflict of the Bigg Boss house. It was a very exciting crossover with the cricketing world that fans did not expect.

A Cricketing Trio Adds Spark to the Bigg Boss House

Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh are famous for being amazing at cricket. When they came into the house, they made everything fun with their bright personalities. They were very amusing, and everyone got along well, making memories that no one will forget.

Yuzvendra Chahal, celebrated for his quick wit and sense of humor, lived up to his reputation, engaging housemates with playful banter and light-hearted fun. His infectious energy set the tone for a lively day in the house. Shreyas Iyer, admired for his leadership skills and composed demeanor, added a fresh perspective to the dynamics of the house. His thoughtful insights during conversations with the housemates gave fans a glimpse of his off-field persona. Shashank Singh, a rising star in Indian cricket, brought youthful enthusiasm and energy to the mix. His candidness and approachable nature made him an instant favorite among both housemates and viewers.

Shreyas Iyer, Yuzendra Chahal and Shashank Singh at the Bigg Boss 18 set. pic.twitter.com/vdcje3EJQ6

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 10, 2025

Engaging Activities and Heartfelt Conversations

The three guests and the Bigg Boss housemates did assorted really fun activities together. They did enjoyable tasks to make everyone pause in the usually tense Bigg Boss house. Also, they discussed their experiences in cricket.

One of the highlights was when the cricketers joined housemates in a unique cricket-themed task that had everyone laughing and cheering. From Chahal’s hilarious commentary to Iyer’s tactical advice, the segment showcased the trio’s camaraderie and their ability to adapt seamlessly to the Bigg Boss setup. During quieter moments, the cricketers shared heartfelt anecdotes from their lives, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced in their careers. Their stories resonated with both the housemates and the audience, creating a connection that transcended the boundaries of sports and entertainment.

ALSO READ: Robin Uthappa talks about leadership differences between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

A Unique Blend of Cricket and Reality TV

Now, Bigg Boss really repeated it by getting Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh, all cricketers, on the show. It's always been proficient at making amazing events happen by jumbling different kinds of famous people. By doing this, it showed how it can pull in a large amount of viewers by making things exciting and enjoyable.

The episode offered fans a chance to see their favorite cricketers in a completely new light, away from the intensity of the cricket pitch. Their natural charm, humor, and relatability provided a stark contrast to the usual high-stakes drama of the Bigg Boss house, making for an episode that will undoubtedly go down as one of the season’s most memorable.

A Must-Watch Episode for Fans

A special episode of Bigg Boss 18 was exceptionally wonderful for everyone who's into cricket and reality TV. When sports met entertainment, it turned into a night to remember filled with joy and unexpected secrets. The mix of conflict, fun components, and excitement meant that fans had a great time watching. People could really fully have fun with all the laughs and great times that they'll probably remember for quite a while. So, if you missed the magic this Sunday, make sure to catch up on this unmissable episode of Bigg Boss 18. Witness Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh as they bring their charm, energy, and stories to the Bigg Boss house, creating memories that fans of both cricket and reality TV will cherish forever.

Cricket runs in the blood of many Indians, creating an enormous fanbase which has been prominent for quite a long time. However, in 2024, the landscape of the cricketing ecosystem has changed. Regarding Google Search, the modern-day gladiators have been surpassed by rising stars who have demonstrated their prowess on the most significant stage.

The IPL has always provided an excellent platform for rising players to demonstrate their abilities; this year has been no exception. The top three include two uncapped players who have performed admirably on a stage like the IPL.

At the same time, the first spot is retained by the all-rounder who displayed his impeccable comeback through the medium of cricket. That said, here's the list of the top three most searched players on Google, 2024 edition. 

Cricket Stars Bring Drama and Fun to Big Boss 18 This Sunday

Sunday is going to be amazing because, in Major Big Boss 18, we're getting an interesting combination of cricket and fun. Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh, who are famous cricketers, are making a special visit to the Boss house. They're not only proficient at cricket -- they're also very energetic people, so they're going to change things in the house with fun activities amidst all the intense conflict.Fans are extremely excited because it's not every day your favorite cricketers join a reality TV show without being invited.

The episode will feature the cricketers engaging with the housemates, sharing anecdotes from their cricketing journey, and participating in fun challenges. Yuzvendra Chahal, known for his quick wit and humor, is expected to lighten the atmosphere with his playful banter. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, admired for his leadership skills, might bring a fresh perspective to the dynamics in the house. Shashank Singh, a rising star in Indian cricket, will add his youthful energy to the mix. As the worlds of cricket and reality television collide, viewers can expect entertaining conversations, surprising revelations, and plenty of laughter.

ALSO READ: Younis Khan joins Afghanistan camp as a mentor ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

The special episode will also give fans a chance to see their favorite cricketers in a completely new light, away from the intensity of the cricket pitch. Big Boss 18 has always been a platform where personalities from diverse fields come together, creating moments of intrigue and entertainment. With the addition of these cricketing stars, the upcoming episode is sure to be a memorable one. Don't miss this exciting crossover as Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh bring their charm and camaraderie to the Big Boss house this Sunday. Tune in for an evening filled with fun, surprises, and the perfect blend of cricket and entertainment!

🚨 SHREYAS IYER, YUZI & SHASHANK IN BIG BOSS 18 🚨

- Shreyas Iyer, Yuzi Chahal & Shashank Singh will be seen in the Big Boss 18 show on Sunday. (TOI). pic.twitter.com/2D2r0BW6Sc

— ASHER. (@ASHUTOSHAB10731) January 8, 2025

Sunday, prepare for something special on Important Boss 18 where the boredom will be removed by Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shashank Singh showing up. Seeing these cricket stars in a new light isn't something you get to do every day. They're mixing the worlds of sports and entertainment, giving us a new idea in our heads. The reader is encouraged to contemplate an evening filled with laughs, wonderful stories, and moments that will remain connected with you forever.

For those who are into cricket and love reality TV, watching Important Big Boss 18 this weekend is the move. You wouldn't want to miss out on a mix of excitement and disagreements.

After a triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup, the Indian Cricket team is now focusing on its future prospects. With the retirement of leading players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from the T20I format, the management is keen to test the new and emerging talent that has evolved from the IPL.

The upcoming Zimbabwe tour, a crucial series in the team’s rebuilding phase, is a significant opportunity for these players to prove their calibre and make a mark in the future of the Indian team. While a few players have been exceptional in the recent IPL stint, they haven’t made it to the tour squad. Here’s a list of the five deserving IPL performers who should have sealed a spot in the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.

1. T Natarajan

T Natarajan has been a vital pacer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a long time. His ability to bowl consecutive unplayable yorkers and quick speed deliveries have been instrumental in the Orange Army’s path of success. Natarajan was introduced to the world of International cricket during the 2021 India tour of Australia series. He was a part of all the formats and scalped crucial wickets for the team.

But, with regular injuries, he couldn’t get another International call. His 2024 IPL performance includes scalping 19 wickets in 14 encounters, making him SRH’s highest wicket-taker. As it implies, T Natarajan’s name not available in the upcoming tour has been a surprise for many, with a hope to find him in the upcoming tours.

2. Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh was the buzz of the town during the IPL 2024. He had a terrible experience after the IPL auction, as the Punjab Kings claimed they had signed the player by mistake. Shashank batted in the middle order and scored 354 runs in 14 matches, with a strike rate of 164.25. Despite playing a pivotal role in Punjab’s victories, the 32-year-old was left out of India’s selection for the forthcoming series against Zimbabwe.

This startled many fans, especially following his crucial and heroic efforts in leading the Punjab Kings to triumphs, including the most successful run-chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders. With his current recognition, seeing him compete on the local circuit and potentially earn his maiden international call in the coming days would be intriguing.

3. Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma was one of Mumbai Indians’ most dependable hitters in times of need and adversity. The left-handed hitter scored 416 runs with an average of 42 and a strike rate of 150. Varma emerged as one of the most appropriate names for the middle order.

Due to injury, Varma missed Mumbai’s final match of the season against the Lucknow Super Giants, but there’s no reason he wasn’t picked for this series. He began his international career with the West Indies tour and has played an essential part in bolstering the team’s batting order, with many hoping that he will turn the tables and change the course of the team’s middle-order batting.

Also Read: Team India honored by PM Modi for T20 World Cup 2024 triumph

4. Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy had a great run in the recently finished IPL season. As a member of the winning Kolkata Knight Riders’ third title trail, his moniker “Mystery Spinner” has aided the three-time champions in boosting their spin attack, which Sunil Narine, the spinmeister, leads.

He took 21 wickets in 15 matches and finished second in the edition’s wicket-taker standings. He last played a T20I for the country in 2021. Still, his improved performance has made him a deserving candidate for a position on the next Zimbabwe trip, especially given the team’s ambitions to have a solid spinner.

5. Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar has made a commendable comeback through the 2024 IPL. After getting recognition for hitting a game-changing century against the Lucknow Supergiants in the eliminator of the 2022 edition, many expected him to be the next big thing in India.

However, a significant injury hindered his game, which led him to get ruled out of the 2023 edition. His performance in the 2024 edition didn’t comprise high scores. But his swashbuckling approach has helped in obtaining crucial runs for the team. He has scored 395 runs in 15 matches in 2024, with an average of 30.38 and a 177.13 strike rate.

The Indian Premier League, a veritable breeding ground for cricketing talent, has once again brought a group of promising players to the fore. The just-concluded 2024 edition was a platform for these emerging Indian players, who could potentially bring about a sea change in the national cricket team.

Here’s a rundown of the top five Indian players who, based on their IPL performances, could be on their way to their first international call.

1. Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Sunrisers Hyderabad has uncovered yet another cricketing treasure in the form of Nitish Kumar Reddy, a pace-bowling all-rounder. This sought-after combination frequently piques the curiosity of Indian cricket selection. At the age of 21, Reddy has distinguished himself by his ability to flourish in high-pressure circumstances and guide the innings to a successful completion.

The youngster also won this year’s Emerging Player of the Year title, scoring 303 runs in 15 matches at an average of 33.67. He took three wickets with the ball and had the best bowling stats of 2/17. Nitish played a significant part in enabling the team’s third IPL finale match. 

2. Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Having associations since 2019 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Abhishek Sharma paid back the trust after a memorable cricketing display as the team’s opener. With his opening partner, Travis Head, Sharma has created havoc with the bat by making a sound and aggressive start towards the team’s high-scoring total, with their highest team total of 287/3 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru being one of them.

He has smashed 484 runs in 16 matches, with a strike rate of over 200. As an all-rounder, he also has the potential to turn the ball and scalp some crucial wickets. It would be interesting to see how he performs as an opener when he gets his maiden international call in the future.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Ranking all IPL teams captains

3. Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)

Riyan Parag has been a part of Rajasthan Royals for an extended period, but his performance has gradually declined season by season. With numerous trolls and backlash, Parag gave a befitting reply to such haters with his all-rounding performance in the recent season. He acted as the medium of robust to the team’s middle-order batting and helped in scalping crucial wins for the team.

He emerged as the team’s best run-scorer in IPL 2024, achieving the third-highest total tally with 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.21 throughout 14 innings. With a sophisticated approach and a relaxed attitude, Parag’s proficient tactics have created a lasting impression, which implies that a call-up to the Indian squad may be approaching.

4. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants)

Though Mayank Yadav’s IPL career was cut short owing to repeated ailments, the speed phenom made the most of his opportunities while still in the league. Mayank’s blazing speed and pinpoint precision in his maiden match astounded the crowd.

Despite bowling only 12.1 overs in the competition and taking seven wickets with a fantastic economy rate of 6.98, Mayank’s early exit from the IPL 2024 did not herald the end of his career. With his impressive quickness and intriguing talent, he is undoubtedly on selectors’ radar for future possibilities.

5. Shashank Singh (Punjab Kings)

During the 2024 IPL auction, Shashank Singh’s purchase by the Punjab Kings was an atmosphere of confusion and rumours, as the team wanted another player going by the same name. But this purchase turned out to be a masterstroke and made one of the players who might get his India debut call very soon. He became the face of the team’s middle-order lineup.

The batter hit 415 runs in the 14 games he played in the competition this season, with a strike-rate of 161. The effect of his knocks made him a superstar for the Punjab Kings as he came out to bat amid tight moments and won them the game when the team had practically no chance of success.

The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League, a tournament that has always set the benchmark for the shortest format of the game, has once again raised the bar.

This year, we’ve witnessed some incredible performances, with shattered long-standing records and international and emerging players making their mark on Indian soil. The batters of the tournament have indeed embodied the spirit of IPL 2024. In this listicle, we’re taking a closer look at the top five extraordinary batting innings that have captivated the cricketing world in the 2024 edition. 

1. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Rajasthan Royals- 109 runs off 56 balls

Hailed as one of the toughest spinners, Sunil Narine, the Trinidadian spinmeister, has proved his impeccable calibre with the bat, thanks to the IPL platform for displaying his willow-handling skills. Though he started his stint as an opener during the 2017 Big Bash League, his long stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders helped him unleash batting prowess, and the clash against Rajasthan Royals summed it all up.

Against a robust Royals bowling attack on the vast Eden Gardens track, Narine pumped up his batting shots and got off to a flying start. With 13 boundaries and six sixes, he had hit his first-ever century across his batting timeline, with a commendable strike rate of 194.64. To add things up, this memorable batting innings made him the first player in the IPL to have scored a hundred and picked a five-wicket haul.

2. Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals) vs Kolkata Knight Riders- 107* runs off 60 balls

To give a small continuation to Sunil Narine’s memorable first century, it was in the same clash of the best; the fans witnessed another stupendous batting innings. After giving a target of 224 runs to the Rajasthan Royals, the away side was up for it amongst the vast grounds of the Eden Gardens. But he had got off slightly slow as he made only 25 off his first 18 balls.

But although struggling with the injury that kept him out of the last RR game and rapidly running out of batting partners, Buttler stayed the course. And taking the match to an enthralling last ball, Buttler’s innings of 107* runs off 60 balls, with nine fours and six sixes, he had taken his visitor’s side team to a victory by two wickets, which kind of overshadowed Narine’s commendable knock. 

3. Will Jacks (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) vs Gujarat Titans- 100* runs off 41 balls

With a quick-pace triple-digit mark and an awestruck reaction by King Kohli, Will Jacks’s century is a wholesome and flavourful batting innings. Starting things off with 17 runs in just 17 balls, in the successive 24 balls, the English batter hit the remaining runs to reach his first-ever IPL century.

Though he had come lately to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting campaign, he had proved to be an instrumental element to the team’s middle order batting, which led him to a memorable six-consecutive winning stint, which led them to seal the final playoffs spot, when they just had a mere 1% chance, symbolising the team’s resilient and robust mentality approach. 

See Also: First batch of Indian Team leaves for USA ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

4. Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 102 runs off 41 balls

In the clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on the small dimensions of Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru broke the long-held record of the highest team score ever in IPL, where Sunrisers Hyderabad took that title away from the previous holders of Bengaluru, thanks to the swashbuckling Aussie batter, Travis Head.

With already announcing his stint in the IPL from an excellent first-match performance, Head accelerated his performance and got him to this stage, where he proved to be handy in scoring the highest team total of IPL of 287/3 by making a century off just 39 balls. In his innings of 102 runs off 41 balls, he hit nine fours and eight sixes at a colossal strike rate of 248.78. 

5. Shashank Singh (Punjab Kings) vs Gujarat Titans- 61* runs off 29 balls 

In this listicle, we have seen all the centuries making the mark, but a few innings have created a long-lasting impact, but it didn’t require a triple-digit mark. One such innings is by the Punjab Kings’ middle-order batting powerhouse, Shashank Singh. It all started in last year’s IPL auction when the Kings bought him instead of another player with the same name, leading to a case of mistaken identity.

With several rumours goofed up, the franchise clarified it and mentioned that he was always on their planned list. As it implies, the batter from Chattisgarh paid back the trust and scored an impeccable innings of 61* runs off 29 balls in a 200-run chase against the Gujarat Titans. This innings is a testament to seizing any opportunity given to a person from different walks of life, which also bolstered the batter’s confidence and led him to be a valuable batting asset to the Punjab Kings. 

When Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh opened the innings for Punjab Kings, they faced a monumental challenge; no team had ever chased down a total of over 260 in T20 cricket history. With the scoreboard reading a daunting 262, the task seemed nearly insurmountable, and understandably, few believed Punjab Kings had a realistic chance of achieving this feat.

However, defying the odds, the Punjab Kings batters embarked on an extraordinary display of cricket, delivering what can only be described as one of the most explosive batting performances ever seen in the sport. In a stunning exhibition of power hitting, Bairstow and Singh, along with their teammates, not only chased down the target but did so with eight balls to spare, remarkably losing only two wickets in the process. This historic chase shattered expectations and records alike, marking a momentous occasion in T20 cricket history.

See Also: IPL 2024: Player Analysis: How did Yuzvendra Chahal become a bonafide IPL legend?

Key Reasons Behind Punjab Kings Unbelievable Victory

Facing a nearly insurmountable target, Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh, two batsmen struggling with form, stepped up to open for the Punjab Kings in a high-pressure scenario. Bairstow, freshly reinstated in the starting XI after being dropped, had a meager average of 16.00 for the season, while Prabhsimran wasn’t faring much better with an average of 19.25 and no individual scores surpassing 40. Compounding their challenges, Punjab had the lowest powerplay strike rate of all teams in IPL 2024, at just 130.6.

Despite these discouraging statistics and a backdrop of underperformance, Bairstow and Prabhsimran led a stunning turnaround in the game on April 26th. In a defiant display of aggression and skill, they propelled the Punjab Kings to score 93 runs in the powerplay—the fourth-highest powerplay score in IPL history. This remarkable start not only defied their previous form but also set the stage for one of the most unexpected and thrilling chases in the annals of T20 cricket.

Despite a strong start, the Punjab Kings still faced a challenging situation with 85 runs needed off the final 45 balls, a scenario where a couple of good overs from the opposition could swing the match back to an even contest. At this critical juncture, Shashank Singh walked in to bat, a decision that significantly altered the course of the game.

Shashank had been a consistent performer for the Kings throughout the season, albeit from a lower-order position. Despite his proven capabilities, the team management had been hesitant to promote him up the batting order. Finally, in this high-pressure situation, they decided to make the strategic adjustment. This move was uncharted territory for both Shashank and the team, injecting a degree of uncertainty into the match.

However, the decision to promote Shashank proved to be a tactical masterstroke. He delivered his best performance of the season, playing a pivotal knock that not only addressed the immediate challenge but also carried his team across the finish line. His innings underlined his value as a versatile player capable of stepping up when needed the most, thereby justifying the faith placed in him and securing a memorable victory for the Punjab Kings.

Punjab’s astonishing triumph will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most remarkable comebacks in the tournament’s history. Despite facing a daunting target, Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh displayed nerves of steel and showcased their batting prowess under pressure. Their partnership not only steadied the innings but also provided the momentum needed for Punjab to mount a successful run chase.

Ashutosh’s composed innings laid the foundation, while Shashank’s explosive batting in the death overs turned the tide in Punjab’s favor. Their stellar performance epitomized Punjab’s resilience and determination to clinch victory from the jaws of defeat. This historic win also cements Punjab’s reputation as a formidable chasing side, as they now hold the record for the most 200-plus scores chased down in the tournament’s history.

It underscores Punjab’s ability to thrive under pressure and chase down daunting targets with confidence and conviction. The team’s ability to maintain composure and execute their plans effectively, even in high-pressure situations, bodes well for their prospects in the remainder of the tournament. With this emphatic victory, Punjab has not only announced their arrival as serious contenders but has also set a new benchmark for successful run chases in the IPL.

See Also: IPL 2024: GT vs SRH: Mohit Sharma’s Impactful Performance Sets Up Titans’ Win

Analyzing Shashank’s Runs Distribution Against Each Bowler

Punjab faced an uphill battle in their pursuit of 200 runs for victory, especially after losing their captain, Shikhar Dhawan, early in the innings. Despite initial fireworks from Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh, Punjab found themselves in dire straits at 70/4 within the first nine overs. Shashank Singh emerged as the saving grace for his team, showcasing his batting prowess with a resilient knock.

Singh’s partnership with Jitesh Sharma offered a glimmer of hope, but their dismissals raised concerns about Punjab’s chances of staging a comeback. However, the entrance of Impact Player Ashutosh Sharma proved to be a game-changer, as his timely cameo provided the much-needed impetus to Punjab’s run chase.

Singh’s maiden fifty and Ashutosh’s explosive batting propelled Punjab closer to victory, but the game took a dramatic turn when Ashutosh fell on the first ball of the final over. With only five runs needed, Singh relied on a stroke of luck as the ball flew off the outside edge, ultimately sealing the deal for Punjab on the next delivery.

Despite facing adversity early on, Punjab’s determined batting display, led by Singh and supported by Ashutosh, epitomized their resilience and ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. This thrilling victory not only showcased Punjab’s fighting spirit but also solidified their status as a formidable force in the tournament.

Gujarat will rue missed opportunities as they reflect on a game that slipped from their grasp. Despite a promising start with the ball, their pacers struggled initially, with Umesh Yadav’s early breakthrough of Shikhar Dhawan providing a glimmer of hope. However, it was the introduction of spinner Noor Ahmad that turned the tide in Gujarat’s favor, with his impressive bowling performance setting the stage for a potential comeback.

In the latter stages of the chase, Mohit Sharma’s standout bowling effort stood out, but the team’s overall bowling display was marred by inconsistency, with Rashid Khan, Umesh Yadav, and Azmatullah Omarzai proving to be expensive. As the pressure mounted in the final over, Darshan Nalkande faced an uphill task of restricting the opposition to six runs or fewer, ultimately falling short as Gujarat suffered their second defeat of the tournament.