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As the Punjab Kings (PBKS) gear up for the IPL 2025 season, they must address several critical issues to improve on their ninth-place finish in the previous IPL season. These concerns include an over-reliance on certain players, a lack of batting depth, and an underdeveloped spin attack.

In the upcoming season, PBKS will be led by a new captain, Shreyas Iyer, who was acquired at a hefty price of ₹26.75 crore. Iyer’s leadership and performance will be pivotal, as the team is heavily dependent on him both as a captain and as a key run-scorer. However, this dependency is a double-edged sword; while his acquisition is a significant boost, it also signals a need for more players to step up and share the load.

The team’s batting lineup is largely supported by uncapped players such as Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, which represents a significant risk. Their lack of experience at the IPL level could translate to issues in consistency and performance. This reliance on inexperienced players highlights the importance of building a more resilient batting order before the start of IPL 2025.

From a bowling perspective, PBKS has made substantial investments in their pace attack, bringing in talents like Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson. Nonetheless, the spin department raises concerns as Yuzvendra Chahal remains the standout option, purchased for ₹18 crore. Harpreet Brar’s inconsistent performances have also been a significant concern, thereby emphasizing the lack of a reliable second spin option. Ricky Ponting, the newly appointed head coach for the 2025 season, will be tasked with addressing these areas to ensure a balanced team composition.

In conclusion, while PBKS has made strategic acquisitions and changes in leadership, they need to address their over-reliance on key individuals and build depth in their batting and spin bowling resources. These measures will be critical for improving their standings in the upcoming season.

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