As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega-auction approaches, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are strategizing to make a significant impact, with a particular focus on the possibility of acquiring Mumbai Indians’ (MI) captain, Rohit Sharma, should he become available.
Sanjay Bangar, Head of Cricket Development at Punjab Kings, has shed light on the franchise’s approach in a recent podcast, emphasizing the potential of Rohit Sharma as a high-value acquisition.
Rohit Sharma has been synonymous with Mumbai Indians’ dominance in the league. Under his leadership, MI has won five IPL titles, making him one of the most respected figures in the tournament. However, with the upcoming mega-auction, speculation has risen about the possibility of MI releasing Rohit, which could spark a bidding war among franchises eager to bolster their squads with a player of his caliber.
Bangar acknowledged the allure of Rohit Sharma, noting that his availability in the auction would likely lead to an intense bidding competition.
“It all depends whether we have money in our pockets or not because if Rohit (Sharma) comes into the auction, I certainly believe that he is going to go at a very high price,” Bangar said in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter). His comments reflect the realistic approach Punjab Kings will need to adopt, balancing their available budget against the potential cost of securing such a marquee player.
The Punjab Kings have long been one of the IPL’s underachievers, despite showing flashes of brilliance in previous seasons. Their best performance came in 2014 when they reached the final, only to be defeated by Kolkata Knight Riders. They also made it to the semi-finals in the inaugural season in 2008, but consistent success has eluded them, largely due to frequent changes in their squad and management.
For the 2025 season, Punjab Kings are focused on building a squad that can deliver sustained success. The mega-auction presents a pivotal opportunity to lay a strong foundation for the future.
Bangar, who has extensive experience as both a player and coach in the IPL, understands the importance of strategic bidding and team composition. He emphasized that careful planning would be essential if PBKS are to assemble a world-class team capable of challenging for the title.
Rohit Sharma’s potential availability is just one of many variables that PBKS will have to consider. While the team management is keen on securing big names, they are also aware of the financial constraints that come with the auction dynamics. Punjab Kings will need to be judicious in their spending, ensuring they have the flexibility to target other key players who can strengthen their squad in multiple areas.
The mega-auction is expected to be a highly competitive event, with other franchises like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) also looking to build title-winning teams. None of these teams have won an IPL trophy, and like PBKS, they will be eager to break their title drought. This shared ambition will likely drive up the bidding for top players, making it crucial for Punjab Kings to have a clear strategy in place.
