They came, they played, they almost conquered. For the first time since their inception, Punjab Kings (PBKS) marched into the IPL final with fire in their hearts and flair in their bats. The fairy tale ended just short of glory, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated them in a historic final. But the journey? Pure magic.
2025 PBKS Best Players：Stars PBKS Is Expected to Retain
Led by a reinvented Shreyas Iyer, PBKS finally shed their tag of underachievers. The team had structure, identity, and above all, consistency. As the dust settles and attention shifts to the upcoming auction, a big question arises: Who makes the 2026 PBKS retained list Here’s a look at the 2025 PBKS best players who not only made headlines this season but also look likely to be the cornerstone of Punjab’s future.
1. Shashank Singh – The Middle-Order Maestro
Let’s begin with the man who provided calm amidst chaos, Shashank Singh. In a team full of explosive hitters, he became the stabiliser. Whether it was rotating strike during tricky middle overs or accelerating at the death, Shashank played every role PBKS asked of him. In IPL 2025, he scored 350 runs in 14 innings across 18 matches, striking at an impressive 153.51. He cracked 23 fours and 18 sixes, often rescuing Punjab from collapse or providing the perfect finishing touch. While not always in the headlines, he quietly delivered high-impact knocks under pressure.
You gave it your all, Shashank! 🙇🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/VIxZjfXUqT
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 4, 2025
More than the numbers, it was Shashank’s adaptability that stood out. He became the glue of PBKS’s middle order, and in a high-risk batting unit, his presence brought much-needed balance. He’s a no-brainer for the 2026 PBKS retained list, not just as a performer but as a long-term Indian asset in the making. Among the 2025 PBKS best players, Shashank’s story is easily the most rewarding.
2. Shreyas Iyer – Captain Courageous
PBKS made headlines at the auction table when they brought in Shreyas Iyer, a move some saw as a gamble. By the end of IPL 2025, it looked like a masterstroke. Not only did he lead with composure and intent, but he also had his best-ever IPL season with the bat.
𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐡 𝐈𝐲𝐞𝐫! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/yb7AL21trm
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 3, 2025
As PBKS’s captain, Iyer shouldered responsibility from game one. He racked up 604 runs in 18 innings at a fiery strike rate of 175.07, smashing 43 fours and 39 sixes. Whether it was pacing a chase or steadying the innings after early wickets, Iyer was consistently dependable and occasionally breathtaking.
We are just so so soooo happy! 🥹❤️pic.twitter.com/X0UsQUX9g7
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 26, 2025
His fearless leadership was on full display throughout the playoffs, and while PBKS couldn’t lift the trophy, Iyer’s influence on their campaign was undeniable. If Punjab are serious about building a title-winning legacy, Shreyas Iyer deserves to be on the 2026 PBKS retained list as captain and batting lynchpin. Among the 2025 PBKS best players, he was the backbone.
3. Prabhsimran Singh – The Explosive Opener
What a season it was for Prabhsimran Singh. Always known for his aggressive instincts, 2025 was the year he finally put it all together over a full season. Partnering up top with Arya, he became a nightmare for opposition bowlers in the powerplay.
Prabhsim𝐑𝐔𝐍 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞! 💥🔥 pic.twitter.com/PI424m2Pn7
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 2, 2025
In 18 matches, Prabhsimran blasted 599 runs at a strike rate of 161.89, including 63 fours and 30 sixes. He consistently gave Punjab blazing starts, turning pressure into opportunity. His 74 off 31 balls against Chennai and 60 off 22 against KKR were some of the most impactful knocks of the season. As a domestic Indian opener with big-game temperament and high-impact potential, Prabhsimran is a smart long-term bet. He deserves a spot on the 2026 PBKS retained list, and is already one of the 2025 PBKS best players without question.
4. Priyansh Arya – The Breakout Star
While Prabhsimran provided the heat, Priyansh Arya brought the fireworks. Heading into the season as an unknown, Arya quickly made the cricket world sit up and take notice. His fearless, explosive batting was a revelation. Arya scored 545 runs in 18 innings, boasting an incredible strike rate of 182.27 the highest among PBKS regulars. He smashed 60 fours and 31 sixes, showing zero hesitation whether it was spin or pace. His calculated aggression and maturity stood out for a 22-year-old in his debut season.
Related Article：Who Is Priyansh Arya？Fastest Century by an Uncapped Player in IPL
𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐏𝐋 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘! 🚨
Priyansh Arya, take a bow! 🙇🏻 pic.twitter.com/n55bH38a9m
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 8, 2025
It’s rare to find an Indian youngster who can bat at that tempo without recklessness. Arya has all the tools to become a franchise player, and keeping him would be a strategic no-brainer. He’s undoubtedly one of the 2025 PBKS best players, and fans would expect to see his name on the 2026 PBKS retained list.
More Than IPL 2025 Runner-Up
Losing a final is never easy. And while Punjab Kings have been here before, reaching the IPL final back in 2014, the pain of falling just short still stings. But unlike 2014, IPL 2025 felt different. This wasn’t a one-off dream run; this was a team reborn.
Related Article：Breaking an 11-Year Drought：How PBKS Qualify for Playoffs
Sarpanch Saab is 𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐐! ❤ pic.twitter.com/92K0LnDziK
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 1, 2025
With Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, Shashank Singh’s calm, Prabhsimran Singh’s fire, and Priyansh Arya’s fearlessness, the squad transformed into a well-oiled winning machine. Their march to the final was no fluke; it was the result of smart planning, bold auction picks, and consistent performances.
Strength! Grit! Determination! Resilience! 💪🏻
𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 is a special team! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/hbB5lBMVoL
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 4, 2025
As we look ahead to next season, locking in the right core through the 2026 PBKS retained list becomes critical. The temptation to experiment will be strong, but sticking with the heart of this 2025 team might just be the most strategic decision because if this season proved anything, it’s this: Punjab’s future isn’t just promising, it’s already arrived.
