The Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI Punjab) were one of the most entertaining teams of IPL 2020. Almost every match involving the Mohali-based franchise was a close encounter. Unfortunately, Punjab missed out on a playoff spot last year despite coming very close. The KL Rahul-led outfit will be keen to make a fresh start in <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/top-5-ipl-match-winners-who-could-not-make-it-to-the-national-team/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2021.</a></strong>

The Punjab Kings had the biggest purse heading into IPL Auction 2021. They broke the bank at the auction to sign Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith. It was a bit surprising to see the Punjab Kings bid so aggressively for the two Aussie pacers because both have zero IPL experience. In fact, they have not played much cricket in Indian conditions.

Besides, the Punjab Kings secured Dawid Malan at his base price of 1.5 crore. It will be interesting to see how the Punjab Kings fit him in their playing XI. There are many other exciting names present in the Punjab squad.

<strong>Full squad of Punjab Kings (PBKS): </strong>

KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Ishan Porel, Sarfaraz Khan, Murugan Ashwin, Deepak Hooda, Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Harpreet Brar, Prabhsimran Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Arshdeep Singh, Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson, Shahrukh Khan, Riley Meredith, Moises Henriques, Jalaj Saxena, Utkarsh Singh, Fabian Allen, Saurabh Kumar

<strong>Purse Remaining- </strong>INR 18.80 Crore

IPL 2021: SWOT Analysis of Punjab Kings (PBKS)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-455977" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-and-Mayank-Agarwal.jpg" alt="KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-455977" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

IPL 2020 Orange Cap winner KL Rahul will open the innings for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021. He will have the back of Mayank Agarwal, who had his best IPL season in the UAE last year. Universe Boss Chris Gayle will back up the two Punjab Kings openers at number three.

Nicholas Pooran, who was sensational for the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021, will be a part of the middle-order. Dawid Malan is likely to be the back-up option for Pooran. One can understand the strength of the Punjab Kings lineup by seeing that the world number one T20I batsman is in the squad and is struggling to get a place in the XI.

Sarfaraz Khan has done well for Mumbai in the domestic circuit. Mandeep Singh and Deepak Hooda have played many IPL seasons. Fabian Allen and Moises Henriques are quality finishers, whereas Shahrukh Khan and Prabh Simran Singh have been exceptional in domestic cricket. So, all in all, the Punjab Kings have a stellar batting unit.

Weaknesses &#8211; Inexperienced bowling unit

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-447382" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-447382" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Barring Mohammed Shami, no other Punjab Kings bowler has played in the IPL regularly. Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi had a great IPL last year, but it is unlikely that the Punjab Kings will go with two leg-spinners if the IPL 2021 league matches happen in Mumbai. Chris Jordan is another reliable name. However, the new recruits do not have any IPL experience.

As mentioned ahead, Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith are yet to make their respective IPL debuts. Even Fabian Allen warmed the benches at the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp last year. Meanwhile, Moises Henriques&#8217; injury concerns might limit his overs for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021.

Ishan Porel has picked up wickets consistently in the domestic arena. But Porel is yet to prove himself in the IPL. Also, KC Cariappa and Jalaj Saxena lack the crucial IPL experience. Thus, the inexperience in their bowling unit could prove to be the biggest weakness for <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-best-predicted-playing-xi-of-punjab-kings-pbks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punjab.</a></strong>

Opportunities &#8211; Time for Arshdeep Singh to step up?

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-333344" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab-2.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-333344" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

The Punjab Kings do have an inexperienced bowling lineup. However, this weakness also opens up opportunities for the young pacers in the team. Ishan Porel can emerge as the supporting bowler for Mohammed Shami, while Arshdeep Singh has a chance of replicating his IPL 2020 performance.

Singh had taken nine wickets for Punjab in eight matches last year. He is a left-arm fast bowler, which means he will have a unique angle to trouble the batsmen. So, Arshdeep has an opportunity to step up in IPL 2021 and cement his place in the Punjab Kings squad for the upcoming seasons.

Another bowler who can take advantage of the inexperience in the bowling unit is left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar. Harpreet could bring variety to the table with his left-arm orthodox spin. The rising star got only one chance to play for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2020.

Threats &#8211; Injury concerns for key players

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459522" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab-3.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459522" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Last year, the Punjab Kings could not field their best playing XIs in multiple games due to injuries. Mohammed Shami suffered an injury during India&#8217;s pink-ball Test match against Australia. It will be interesting to see how he performs for the Punjab Kings after his recovery. Also, Shami has got injured multiple times in his career.

Chris Gayle is 41 years old now. While the Universe Boss has maintained his fitness brilliantly, he missed quite a few matches last year for the Punjab Kings. It will be a difficult challenge for Gayle to play all 14 league matches and score runs consistently for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021.

Moises Henriques has had injury issues regularly in his career. Meanwhile, Ishan Porel had to return from<strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-martin-guptill-and-james-neesham-shine-as-new-zealand-beat-australia-in-a-thriller/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Australia</a></strong> after picking up an injury. Even Jhye Richardson had missed the 2019 World Cup due to an injury. So, the injury concerns remain the most significant threat to the Punjab Kings&#8217; IPL 2021 campaign.

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI Punjab) were one of the most entertaining teams of IPL 2020. Almost every match involving the Mohali-based franchise was a close encounter. Unfortunately, Punjab missed out on a playoff spot last year despite coming very close. The KL Rahul-led outfit will be keen to make a fresh start in <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/top-5-ipl-match-winners-who-could-not-make-it-to-the-national-team/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2021.</a></strong></p>
<p>The Punjab Kings had the biggest purse heading into IPL Auction 2021. They broke the bank at the auction to sign Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith. It was a bit surprising to see the Punjab Kings bid so aggressively for the two Aussie pacers because both have zero IPL experience. In fact, they have not played much cricket in Indian conditions.</p>
<p>Besides, the Punjab Kings secured Dawid Malan at his base price of 1.5 crore. It will be interesting to see how the Punjab Kings fit him in their playing XI. There are many other exciting names present in the Punjab squad.</p>
<h3><strong>Full squad of Punjab Kings (PBKS): </strong></h3>
<p>KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Ishan Porel, Sarfaraz Khan, Murugan Ashwin, Deepak Hooda, Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Harpreet Brar, Prabhsimran Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Arshdeep Singh, Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson, Shahrukh Khan, Riley Meredith, Moises Henriques, Jalaj Saxena, Utkarsh Singh, Fabian Allen, Saurabh Kumar</p>
<p><strong>Purse Remaining- </strong>INR 18.80 Crore</p>
<h3>IPL 2021: SWOT Analysis of Punjab Kings (PBKS)</h3>
<h3>Strengths – Top order</h3>
<figure id="attachment_455977" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-455977" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-455977" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-and-Mayank-Agarwal.jpg" alt="KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-455977" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>IPL 2020 Orange Cap winner KL Rahul will open the innings for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021. He will have the back of Mayank Agarwal, who had his best IPL season in the UAE last year. Universe Boss Chris Gayle will back up the two Punjab Kings openers at number three.</p>
<p>Nicholas Pooran, who was sensational for the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021, will be a part of the middle-order. Dawid Malan is likely to be the back-up option for Pooran. One can understand the strength of the Punjab Kings lineup by seeing that the world number one T20I batsman is in the squad and is struggling to get a place in the XI.</p>
<p>Sarfaraz Khan has done well for Mumbai in the domestic circuit. Mandeep Singh and Deepak Hooda have played many IPL seasons. Fabian Allen and Moises Henriques are quality finishers, whereas Shahrukh Khan and Prabh Simran Singh have been exceptional in domestic cricket. So, all in all, the Punjab Kings have a stellar batting unit.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Weaknesses – Inexperienced bowling unit</h3>
<figure id="attachment_447382" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-447382" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-447382" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-447382" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Barring Mohammed Shami, no other Punjab Kings bowler has played in the IPL regularly. Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi had a great IPL last year, but it is unlikely that the Punjab Kings will go with two leg-spinners if the IPL 2021 league matches happen in Mumbai. Chris Jordan is another reliable name. However, the new recruits do not have any IPL experience.</p>
<p>As mentioned ahead, Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith are yet to make their respective IPL debuts. Even Fabian Allen warmed the benches at the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp last year. Meanwhile, Moises Henriques’ injury concerns might limit his overs for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021.</p>
<p>Ishan Porel has picked up wickets consistently in the domestic arena. But Porel is yet to prove himself in the IPL. Also, KC Cariappa and Jalaj Saxena lack the crucial IPL experience. Thus, the inexperience in their bowling unit could prove to be the biggest weakness for <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-best-predicted-playing-xi-of-punjab-kings-pbks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punjab.</a></strong></p>
<p></p>
<h3>Opportunities – Time for Arshdeep Singh to step up?</h3>
<figure id="attachment_333344" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-333344" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-333344" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab-2.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-333344" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Punjab Kings do have an inexperienced bowling lineup. However, this weakness also opens up opportunities for the young pacers in the team. Ishan Porel can emerge as the supporting bowler for Mohammed Shami, while Arshdeep Singh has a chance of replicating his IPL 2020 performance.</p>
<p>Singh had taken nine wickets for Punjab in eight matches last year. He is a left-arm fast bowler, which means he will have a unique angle to trouble the batsmen. So, Arshdeep has an opportunity to step up in IPL 2021 and cement his place in the Punjab Kings squad for the upcoming seasons.</p>
<p>Another bowler who can take advantage of the inexperience in the bowling unit is left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar. Harpreet could bring variety to the table with his left-arm orthodox spin. The rising star got only one chance to play for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2020.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Threats – Injury concerns for key players</h3>
<figure id="attachment_459522" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-459522" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-459522" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab-3.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459522" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Last year, the Punjab Kings could not field their best playing XIs in multiple games due to injuries. Mohammed Shami suffered an injury during India’s pink-ball Test match against Australia. It will be interesting to see how he performs for the Punjab Kings after his recovery. Also, Shami has got injured multiple times in his career.</p>
<p>Chris Gayle is 41 years old now. While the Universe Boss has maintained his fitness brilliantly, he missed quite a few matches last year for the Punjab Kings. It will be a difficult challenge for Gayle to play all 14 league matches and score runs consistently for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021.</p>
<p>Moises Henriques has had injury issues regularly in his career. Meanwhile, Ishan Porel had to return from<strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-martin-guptill-and-james-neesham-shine-as-new-zealand-beat-australia-in-a-thriller/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Australia</a></strong> after picking up an injury. Even Jhye Richardson had missed the 2019 World Cup due to an injury. So, the injury concerns remain the most significant threat to the Punjab Kings’ IPL 2021 campaign.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI Punjab) were one of the most entertaining teams of IPL 2020. Almost every match involving the Mohali-based franchise was a close encounter. Unfortunately, Punjab missed out on a playoff spot last year despite coming very close. The KL Rahul-led outfit will be keen to make a fresh start in <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/top-5-ipl-match-winners-who-could-not-make-it-to-the-national-team/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2021.</a></strong></p>
<p>The Punjab Kings had the biggest purse heading into IPL Auction 2021. They broke the bank at the auction to sign Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith. It was a bit surprising to see the Punjab Kings bid so aggressively for the two Aussie pacers because both have zero IPL experience. In fact, they have not played much cricket in Indian conditions.</p>
<p>Besides, the Punjab Kings secured Dawid Malan at his base price of 1.5 crore. It will be interesting to see how the Punjab Kings fit him in their playing XI. There are many other exciting names present in the Punjab squad.</p>
<h3><strong>Full squad of Punjab Kings (PBKS): </strong></h3>
<p>KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Ishan Porel, Sarfaraz Khan, Murugan Ashwin, Deepak Hooda, Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Harpreet Brar, Prabhsimran Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Arshdeep Singh, Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson, Shahrukh Khan, Riley Meredith, Moises Henriques, Jalaj Saxena, Utkarsh Singh, Fabian Allen, Saurabh Kumar</p>
<p><strong>Purse Remaining- </strong>INR 18.80 Crore</p>
<h3>IPL 2021: SWOT Analysis of Punjab Kings (PBKS)</h3>
<h3>Strengths &#8211; Top order</h3>
<figure id="attachment_455977" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-455977" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-455977" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-and-Mayank-Agarwal.jpg" alt="KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-455977" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>IPL 2020 Orange Cap winner KL Rahul will open the innings for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021. He will have the back of Mayank Agarwal, who had his best IPL season in the UAE last year. Universe Boss Chris Gayle will back up the two Punjab Kings openers at number three.</p>
<p>Nicholas Pooran, who was sensational for the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021, will be a part of the middle-order. Dawid Malan is likely to be the back-up option for Pooran. One can understand the strength of the Punjab Kings lineup by seeing that the world number one T20I batsman is in the squad and is struggling to get a place in the XI.</p>
<p>Sarfaraz Khan has done well for Mumbai in the domestic circuit. Mandeep Singh and Deepak Hooda have played many IPL seasons. Fabian Allen and Moises Henriques are quality finishers, whereas Shahrukh Khan and Prabh Simran Singh have been exceptional in domestic cricket. So, all in all, the Punjab Kings have a stellar batting unit.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Weaknesses &#8211; Inexperienced bowling unit</h3>
<figure id="attachment_447382" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-447382" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-447382" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-447382" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Barring Mohammed Shami, no other Punjab Kings bowler has played in the IPL regularly. Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi had a great IPL last year, but it is unlikely that the Punjab Kings will go with two leg-spinners if the IPL 2021 league matches happen in Mumbai. Chris Jordan is another reliable name. However, the new recruits do not have any IPL experience.</p>
<p>As mentioned ahead, Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith are yet to make their respective IPL debuts. Even Fabian Allen warmed the benches at the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp last year. Meanwhile, Moises Henriques&#8217; injury concerns might limit his overs for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021.</p>
<p>Ishan Porel has picked up wickets consistently in the domestic arena. But Porel is yet to prove himself in the IPL. Also, KC Cariappa and Jalaj Saxena lack the crucial IPL experience. Thus, the inexperience in their bowling unit could prove to be the biggest weakness for <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-best-predicted-playing-xi-of-punjab-kings-pbks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punjab.</a></strong></p>
<p></p>
<h3>Opportunities &#8211; Time for Arshdeep Singh to step up?</h3>
<figure id="attachment_333344" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-333344" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-333344" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab-2.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-333344" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Punjab Kings do have an inexperienced bowling lineup. However, this weakness also opens up opportunities for the young pacers in the team. Ishan Porel can emerge as the supporting bowler for Mohammed Shami, while Arshdeep Singh has a chance of replicating his IPL 2020 performance.</p>
<p>Singh had taken nine wickets for Punjab in eight matches last year. He is a left-arm fast bowler, which means he will have a unique angle to trouble the batsmen. So, Arshdeep has an opportunity to step up in IPL 2021 and cement his place in the Punjab Kings squad for the upcoming seasons.</p>
<p>Another bowler who can take advantage of the inexperience in the bowling unit is left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar. Harpreet could bring variety to the table with his left-arm orthodox spin. The rising star got only one chance to play for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2020.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Threats &#8211; Injury concerns for key players</h3>
<figure id="attachment_459522" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-459522" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459522" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kings-XI-Punjab-3.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459522" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Last year, the Punjab Kings could not field their best playing XIs in multiple games due to injuries. Mohammed Shami suffered an injury during India&#8217;s pink-ball Test match against Australia. It will be interesting to see how he performs for the Punjab Kings after his recovery. Also, Shami has got injured multiple times in his career.</p>
<p>Chris Gayle is 41 years old now. While the Universe Boss has maintained his fitness brilliantly, he missed quite a few matches last year for the Punjab Kings. It will be a difficult challenge for Gayle to play all 14 league matches and score runs consistently for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021.</p>
<p>Moises Henriques has had injury issues regularly in his career. Meanwhile, Ishan Porel had to return from<strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/twitter-reactions-martin-guptill-and-james-neesham-shine-as-new-zealand-beat-australia-in-a-thriller/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Australia</a></strong> after picking up an injury. Even Jhye Richardson had missed the 2019 World Cup due to an injury. So, the injury concerns remain the most significant threat to the Punjab Kings&#8217; IPL 2021 campaign.</p>

Taking a look at factors that can affect PBKS performance in IPL 2021.

PBKS SWOT Analysis - Check out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities & threats' analysis of team PBKS from the experts at CricTracker.