3 best RTM candidates for PBKS at the IPL 2025 auction ft. Arshdeep Singh

In a way, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are in a position of luxury ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. With ₹110.5 crore in the bank and 23 spots on their roster, PBKS have a lot of freedom.

The fact that many high-profile players, including Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, will be available is a boost for Punjab. They will have the chance to build a squad that has stability over the next few IPL seasons, which isn't something that has been within their reach lately.

At the same time, the Kings will hope to retain some of the core players who featured for them in the last edition of the IPL. With four capped RTM cards in their hands, they have a few options at their disposal.

On that note, here are the three best RTM candidates for PBKS at the IPL 2025 auction.

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#3 Arshdeep Singh

India v Bangladesh - 2nd T20 - Source: Getty

Although they didn't value Arshdeep Singh at the first capped retention slab of ₹18 crore, PBKS are likely to attempt to bring him back at the IPL 2025 auction. Whether the left-armer will come for a cheaper price is a question that is entirely dependent on auction dynamics, but, certainly, the franchise can't afford to let the country's second-best T20 bowler leave.

Arshdeep has gone from strength to strength in recent times and is one of India's most consistent performers at the international level. As a bowler who can bowl at all stages of the innings, the pacer will be in high demand at the IPL 2025 auction. His left-arm angle will also entice several teams.

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#2 Sam Curran

Oval Invincibles Men v Northern Superchargers Men - The Hundred - Source: Getty

Sam Curran hasn't been able to translate his immense potential into sustained performances in white-ball cricket, with both bat and ball. But he has been integral to the PBKS setup over the last two years, even captaining them in Shikhar Dhawan's absence.

Overseas fast-bowling all-rounders will be extremely hard to find at the IPL 2025 auction, especially ones as versatile as Curran. PBKS might need a player like the Englishman on their roster, although building a squad around him might not be the smartest idea.

Curran can, on paper at least, bowl across phases and chip in with the bat. He may even be a captaincy option if the Kings are unable to secure one of the marquee Indian players for the role.

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#1 Liam Livingstone

England v Australia - 1st Vitality IT20 - Source: Getty

Liam Livingstone's IPL career hasn't quite taken off, and it seemed like he was past his prime not too long ago. But the dynamic all-rounder has found a new lease of life lately, entering a rich vein of hitting form that could be useful for several teams in the T20 league.

PBKS, who have seen Livingstone up close, will know what kind of value he can add at his best. As a bowler who can take on all matchups and as a fearsome pace hitter who can bat across positions in the lineup, the Englishman is one of the most versatile and dangerous cricketers in the world.