Punjab Kings Unlikely to Win IPL 2025, Says Manoj Tiwary Over Foreign Player Bias
Introduction: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has reached its thrilling midpoint, with surprises aplenty in the race for the coveted trophy. However, one team that has caught both attention and criticism is Punjab Kings (PBKS). Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has stirred the pot with a bold prediction that PBKS will not clinch their maiden IPL title this season, pointing fingers at head coach Ricky Ponting for favoring foreign players over in-form Indian batters during a crucial rain-affected clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Current Standings and Performance: Punjab Kings have shown flashes of brilliance this season, holding a commendable fourth position on the IPL 2025 points table after nine matches. With five wins, three losses, and one no-result from the KKR game, PBKS have accumulated valuable points, sharing a solitary point with the defending champions in the rain-marred encounter. Despite pre-season skepticism, their consistent performances have positioned them as dark horses in the tournament under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer.
The Controversy: Tiwary’s scathing remarks center on Ponting’s tactical decisions during the KKR match, particularly in the batting order. After a fiery 83 off 49 balls from opener Prabhsimran Singh, who was dismissed in the 15th over, the team needed stability and aggression. Instead of promoting the in-form Nehal Wadhera—who has excelled at number four for both PBKS and Mumbai Indians—Ponting sent in Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell, struggling for form, managed only 7 runs off 8 balls, squandering momentum. Furthermore, in the final overs, with PBKS eyeing a target beyond 200 runs, Ponting opted for foreign recruits Marco Jansen and Josh Inglis over proven finisher Shashank Singh, a move that baffled many.
Tiwary’s Critique: Expressing his frustration on social media, Tiwary wrote, ‘My gut feeling says that Punjab Kings will not lift the #IPL trophy this season. What I saw during their batting against KKR was disappointing. Coach Ponting overlooked Indian talents like Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh, trusting foreign players who failed to deliver. This shows a clear lack of confidence in Indian players lower down the order. If this approach continues, the title will remain out of reach, regardless of a top-two finish.’ His words have sparked a debate among fans and analysts about team strategy and national bias in selection.
Statistical Insight: Delving deeper, the numbers highlight Tiwary’s concerns. Shashank Singh, known for his clutch performances, boasts a strike rate of over 150 in death overs across IPL seasons, according to Cricinfo data. In contrast, Maxwell’s form slump reflects an average of under 15 in his last five outings for PBKS, raising questions about Ponting’s persistence with underperforming overseas stars. With the IPL’s competitive nature, such missteps could indeed cost Punjab dearly in their title aspirations.
Upcoming Challenges: Looking ahead, Punjab Kings face a stern test as they take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 30, a venue where CSK’s spinners often dominate. Following this, they host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the picturesque Dharamsala on May 4. These matches will be critical in determining whether PBKS can maintain their top-four spot and address the tactical concerns raised by Tiwary.
Conclusion: As the IPL 2025 unfolds, Punjab Kings remain a team of immense potential but questionable decision-making. Manoj Tiwary’s critique serves as a wake-up call for Ricky Ponting and the PBKS camp to reassess their strategies and instill confidence in their Indian core. Will they overcome this hurdle and prove the naysayers wrong, or will Tiwary’s prediction of a title-less season come true? Only time will tell, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on Punjab’s dugout decisions. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament Intensifies!