"For Punjab Kings, I don't think I would retain any players, certainly not capped players" - Tom Moody suggests IPL 2025 retention strategy for PBKS
Former Australian all-rounder and cricket expert Tom Moody reckons that Punjab Kings (PBKS) must not look to retain any of their capped players ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. He suggested that the franchise should use the Right to Match (RTM) option for proven performers like Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, and Kagiso Rabada.
Punjab Kings have been one of the biggest disappointments in the history of the Indian Premier League. Despite possessing several star performers, they have never won the T20 league. In the 2024 edition, they finished a disappointing ninth out of 10 teams, with five wins and as many as nine losses.
While discussing PBKS' retention strategy for IPL 2025, Moody opined that the franchise should refrain from retaining any of their capped players. He told Star Sports (as quoted by The Times of India):
"For Punjab Kings, I don't think I would retain any players, certainly not capped players, but I'd be looking to use the Right To Match option for players like Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, and Rabada. Jitesh Sharma is another one I'd consider using the Right To Match for in the auction."
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep picked up 19 wickets for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024 at an average of 26.58 and an economy rate of 10.03. All-rounder Curran picked up 16 wickets and scored 270 runs, while Rabada claimed 11 wickets in as many games. Even as PBKS struggled, right-arm pacer Harshal Patel won the Purple Cap for picking up 24 wickets in 14 matches.
Tom Moody suggests two uncapped retentions for Punjab Kings for IPL 2025
While he opined that PBKS should not retain any of their capped players, Moody named a couple of uncapped players who, he feels, could be good options to retain. The former Aussie all-rounder commented:
"When it comes to uncapped players, there are a couple of good players I'd like to secure before the auction: Shashank Singh, who is a solid middle-order power-hitter and had a great season last year, and Harpreet Brar, the left-arm spinner."
Shashank slammed 354 runs in 14 games in IPL 2024, averaging 44.25 at an excellent strike rate of 164.65. As for Brar, the left-arm spinner claimed seven wickets in 13 games at an economy rate of under eight.
As per the modified tournament rules, each IPL franchise has been allowed to retain up to six players from their current squad through direct retention or RTM. Each team can retain a maximum of five capped players and a maximum of two uncapped players.