The franchise with the highest purse value in the IPL 2025 mega auction was Punjab Kings, who retained only two cricketers for IPL 2025. Punjab Kings is going to enter IPL 2025 with a completely new team with the intention of winning the trophy. To complete its squad, the team spent Rs. 109.65 crores were spent. However, cricket experts are saying that Punjab Kings have made a big mistake.
Parting with the biggest purse
Punjab Kings had entered the auction for IPL 2025 with a huge purse of Rs 110 crore, but questions are being raised about the team’s opening pair. Former Indian cricketer and famous commentator Akash Chopra has raised questions on the team’s strategy. He believes that it could be risky for Punjab Kings to depend on local players.
Relying on unused openers
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “Punjab Kings participated in the auction with a purse of Rs 110 crore, but they bet on uncapped openers. This strategy can be risky. For that much money, Jos Buttler, Ishan Kishan or Phil Salt could have been bought.” Let us tell you that Punjab Kings retained Prabhsimran Singh for Rs 4 crore, while bought the rising star of domestic cricket Priyansh Aryan for Rs 3.80 crore. Both these players are uncapped.
Team can try Stoinis and English, Punjab
Aakash Chopra expressed the possibility that Punjab Kings may try Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for the opening. He said, “Stoinis can open and this is possible after the return of Ricky Ponting.”
Apart from this, he also suggested the name of wicketkeeper batsman Josh English. English has been the captain of Australia’s T20 team. But, according to Chopra, the English game can spoil the balance of the team. “If the English open, it will be difficult to include two foreign fast bowlers,” he said.
Next challenge for the team
Punjab Kings already have all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell and Stoinis. In such a situation, the choice of opening pair can affect the balance of the team. It will be a challenge for the team management to decide which combination they should go with.
