Punjab Kings Enter IPL Playoffs – But What Quick Fixes Do They Need?

Punjab Kings Enter IPL Playoffs – But What Quick Fixes Do They Need?

Updated: May 19, 2025 | IPL 2025 Blog

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have finally broken their long playoff drought, entering the IPL playoffs for the first time since 2014. Their 10-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur marked their fifth away win of the season. But while their overall performance has been strong, a few gaps in the squad could hurt them in the high-pressure knockout matches.

Let’s take a look at what PBKS is doing well and what they still need to fix before the playoffs.

Strong Away Form, But Close Calls

PBKS have been excellent in away games, almost matching Royal Challengers Bengaluru in this area. However, some of their wins have been narrow, and their high scores have sometimes looked shaky under pressure.

In the match against RR, even after scoring 219/5, PBKS looked vulnerable when RR openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal started strong. The match was saved by Harpreet Brar, who dismissed both in-form batters.

Such close calls highlight the need for improvement, especially in their bowling unit.

Bowling Woes – Overdependence on Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh has taken 16 wickets this season and is the backbone of the PBKS bowling attack.
The only other PBKS bowler in the top 20 wicket-takers is Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been expensive, going at 9.56 runs per over.
Other bowlers like Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett have lacked consistency and control.

When Arshdeep doesn’t start well, as seen in the Jaipur match, Punjab looks very fragile. Brar’s performance saved the day, but such moments can’t be relied on in every game.

Overseas Player Dilemma

Several overseas players in the PBKS squad have underperformed this season:

Marcus Stoinis has not shown his best form.
Josh Inglis has been inconsistent with the bat.
Mitchell Owen, brought in as Glenn Maxwell’s replacement, got out for a two-ball duck.
Kyle Jamieson hasn’t even been given a chance yet.

Punjab needs to rethink its overseas combination. With two more matches in Jaipur, Jamieson could be tried in place of Bartlett to add depth to the bowling.

Key Fixes Punjab Kings Need Before Playoffs

Here are the quick fixes PBKS must implement to stay competitive in the playoffs:

Strengthen the bowling attack
Rotate bowlers wisely and bring in fresh options like Jamieson to support Arshdeep and Chahal.
Stabilize the overseas players
Finalize the best four foreign players based on current form, not past reputation.
Use impact players smartly
Harpreet Brar’s performance as an impact substitute was match-changing. PBKS must continue using the rule tactically.
Avoid mid-innings collapses
The team must maintain momentum with the bat even after strong starts. Building partnerships in the middle overs will be key.
Improve death-over bowling
This is a major concern. Opponents have chased big targets against them, and tightening the death overs is critical.

Conclusion

Punjab Kings have shown flashes of brilliance this season. They’ve earned a spot in the playoffs, but unless they fix the cracks in their bowling and overseas selections, their journey might end sooner than they hope.

With solid planning and bold decisions, PBKS could turn this rare playoff entry into a championship-winning season.