Punjab Kings have suffered a massive setback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season with the confirmation of Glenn Maxwell’s unavailability due to a fractured finger. Injuries have continued to plague PBKS this season, and now head coach Ricky Ponting addressed the team’s challenges and explained the reasoning behind the delay in announcing injury replacements.

Key injuries leave Punjab Kings searching for stability amid critical phase in IPL 2025

The injury to Maxwell, who fractured his finger during a training session ahead of the rain-hit clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26, has came as a huge blow to the Kings’ campaign. Known for his explosive batting and valuable off-spin, Maxwell’s absence leaves a significant void in both the batting lineup and all-rounder options.  To add to their woes, PBKS had earlier lost their pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson due to a long-term injury.

The team has not yet announced replacements for either player, which has left fans and analysts questioning the franchise’s contingency planning. Shreyas Iyer confirmed the developments at the toss but admitted that the team management is still assessing their options. With just a few games remaining before the playoffs race intensifies, and these injuries could prove pivotal in shaping PBKS’s fate in the tournament. The next few fixtures are crucial for the Kings. Their 11th match is scheduled for May 4 against Lucknow Super Giantsfollowed by their 12th match on May 8 against Delhi Capitalsboth to be played at their second home ground, Dharamsala.

Ricky Ponting sheds light on PSL’s role in PBKS squad issues

Ponting, head coach of PBKS, addressed the delay in replacements during a press conference and shed light on the logistical and strategic hurdles the franchise is facing. “We’ve actually been a little bit patient. Maxi’s injury is recent, Lockie’s has been around for two or three weeks. But with the PSL happening at the same time, there aren’t a lot of high-quality overseas replacements available,” Ponting said,

This scheduling overlap has significantly limited the pool of experienced international players. Instead of rushing into a decision, PBKS is now exploring domestic Indian talent. A few young players have already trained with the team and are set to travel to Dharamsala, where PBKS plays their next two games, including their crucial 12th fixture on May 8. Ponting revealed that those players may be awarded contracts soon, as the franchise must announce replacements before their 12th match. With time running out, the next few days will be decisive for PBKS’s squad management.

“We’re having a look around at Indian talent as well and we’re looking at what roles we might be able to fill with some younger Indian players. We’ll actually take a couple of guys to Dharamsala with us, a couple of guys trained with us yesterday and they will come with us to Dharamsala, we’ll have a closer look at them and they might find themselves with a Punjab contract going forward. It has to be this week, has to be before the 12th game, so stay tuned,” Ponting concluded.

Faf du Plessis pens heartfelt birthday tribute to wife Imari Visser