Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Kings XI Punjab are finally “moving in the right direction” after taking a smart and bold decision at the auction table, raising hopes of ending their long wait for the Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
Speaking on IPL Today Live, Pathan highlighted how the team has shown a new clarity in terms of leadership and team-building. Kings XI Punjab finished as runners-up last season but narrowly lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final.
Clear leadership drives transformation in Punjab
“Leadership has played a huge role in Punjab’s turnaround. You win half the IPL at the auction table. Big purses don’t necessarily mean you always get what you want, but they did and they made it to the final,” he said.
Smart auctions key to Punjab’s rise
Pathan noted that the team has not shied away from accepting tough demands, including releasing underperforming players such as Glenn Maxwell, while also strengthening their bench.
“They took a bold but important decision… now you see all-rounders like Azmatullah Omarzai, Marko Jansen and Marcus Stoinis, along with the young Indian batting core. After deciding on Shreyas Iyer as captain, they also threw their weight behind him. The thinking is clear and I feel Punjab have started moving in the right direction,” he said.
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Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2025
Kings XI Punjab made a breakthrough in IPL 2025 and became one of the most consistent teams this season. Led by Shreyas Iyer, they topped the league and reached the final, their first title bid since 2014. The team showed stunning balance, with Iyer leading with the bat from the front as he finished with 604 runs, while Arshdeep Singh spearheaded the bowling attack with 21 wickets. Punjab’s journey included a win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, which secured them a spot in the finals after a defeat in RCB Qualifier 1, where they eventually lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite the loss, the 2025 season marked a significant shift for the team, making them a true contender and establishing a solid foundation for future success.
