Big Picture: Can PBKS finish on top of the world in IPL 2025?
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have secured a top-two finish in the IPL 2025, a feat that Shashank Singh attributes to the self-belief instilled by the culture developed by Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer. Shashank, speaking after PBKS sealed their spot in Qualifier 1, shared his excitement and confidence ahead of their final push.
“Finishing in the top two is just half the job done. The full job will be completed on June 3, when we’ll have a press conference at midnight. That’s when I’ll tell you, ‘Yes, we are at the top of the world,'” said Shashank.
It might seem like PBKS are getting ahead of themselves—after all, they are yet to win an IPL title. However, Shashank is not backing down from his bold statement, drawing confidence from the team’s belief and the work done by their leadership.
“It feels surreal,” Shashank added after PBKS beat Mumbai Indians (MI) to clinch a top-two finish. “Our first goal was to finish in the top two, and we’ve achieved that. It’s a result of collective effort and belief. The management, the support staff, and every single person involved—each has played a part in this journey.”
Shashank also highlighted the team’s collective approach, with players coming together in a WhatsApp group after the auctions, manifesting their goal to win the title. “Manifesting is one thing, but believing and working hard is another,” he added.
The Power of Self-Belief and Team Culture
Despite PBKS’s limited IPL title history, their culture, driven by Ponting and Shreyas Iyer, has been transformative. Shashank spoke about the positive impact Shreyas had, especially with his inclusive leadership style.
“Shreyas is a very dear friend. Playing under his captaincy is one of the best things that has happened to me. He gives freedom to everyone and fosters a sense of unity. The culture of caring for each other—this is what Ricky and Shreyas wanted from day one,” said Shashank.
Ponting’s influence on the team’s mindset has been pivotal, changing the approach to the game. “He treats everyone equally—whether it’s Yuzi Chahal, our senior player, or our bus driver. That’s what makes this team special.”
A Team Effort, Not Just Individual Stars
Although PBKS will lose Marco Jansen to the World Test Championship final, Shashank remains confident about the team’s depth. PBKS’s top-two finish has been a result of team effort, with no single player dominating. Every match has seen a different hero rise, whether it was Shreyas, Josh Inglis, Prabh Simran Singh, or Arshdeep Singh.
“When you finish in the top two, it’s not just one or two heroes—it’s a collective effort,” Shashank emphasized. “We’ve had six to seven heroes this season, and we hope to come together as a team to lift the title.”
Conclusion: A Historic Opportunity Awaits
With PBKS now in Qualifier 1, the team’s journey isn’t just about individual glory; it’s about the belief that has united them. If Shashank’s words hold true, PBKS could be on the verge of something historic in IPL 2025, with their eyes set firmly on the final.
