IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra picks 2 Indian superstars as Punjab Kings' top performers, names Playing XI

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has revealed his predictions for the Punjab Kings' (PBKS) probable playing XI in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Chopra made bold choices for the team's top performers, selecting a star Indian batter as the leading run-getter and a left-arm pacer as the highest wicket-taker.

Punjab Kings had a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, finishing ninth with just five wins from 14 league matches. The franchise acquired Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore in the auction. The star batter, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title in 2024, has been appointed as PBKS' new captain.

Aakash Chopra Names Punjab Kings' Probable Playing XI for IPL 2025

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra predicted the Punjab Kings' (PBKS) probable playing XI for IPL 2025. He said that Josh Inglis or Marcus Stoinis could open alongside Prabhsimran Singh, with captain Shreyas Iyer batting at No. 3.

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"The XI I have made is something like this - Prabhsimran Singh, and I wish to open with either Josh Inglis or Marcus Stoinis alongside him. If they want to play Priyansh Arya, then Priyansh Arya, or else Josh Inglis with Prabhsimran Singh. Then Shreyas Iyer at No. 3," Chopra said.

Aakash Chopra Picks Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Marco Jansen

Chopra picked Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Marco Jansen as the other overseas players in the XI. He stated that the Punjab franchise has batting depth.

"You will get Glenn Maxwell at No. 4 and Marcus Stoinis at No. 5. I will keep Nehal Wadhera at No. 6. I will keep Shashank Singh at No. 7. After that, Marco Jansen at No. 8. Now you have serious depth in batting. Then Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal," he observed.

Punjab Kings have struggled for consistency in the Indian Premier League. They reached the knockout stage only twice in 17 seasons. They made it to the semi-finals in the inaugural 2008 edition and finished as runners-up in 2014, where they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final.

Aakash Chopra Predicts Shreyas Iyer, and Arshdeep Singh as Punjab Kings' Top Performers

Aakash Chopra predicted that Shreyas Iyer will be Punjab Kings' highest run-scorer in IPL 2025, while Arshdeep Singh will be their leading wicket-taker. He also named young batter Priyansh Arya as the franchise’s most promising player.

"Who will be the highest run-scorer - Shreyas Iyer. Who will be the highest wicket-taker - Arshdeep Singh. Who can be the most promising player - Priyansh Arya, if he gets the opportunities," Chopra opined.

Shreyas delivered a strong performance as both a leader and batter in the IPL 2024. He scored 351 runs in 14 innings at an average of 39.00. Iyer carried his form into the 2025 Champions Trophy. He finished as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 243 runs in five innings at an average of 48.60.

Punjab Kings released Arshdeep Singh and retained only two uncapped players, Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. However, they re-signed the left-arm pacer for ₹18 crore at the mega auction. Arshdeep was PBKS' second-highest wicket-taker in the IPL 2024 season, taking 19 wickets in 14 innings.

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