The IPL 2025 auction concluded last month and all the teams are looking very strong. Punjab Kings, without a doubt, have acquired players like Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and some impressive cricketing talent like Suryansh Shegde. Despite the absence of Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow, the team has placed its faith in Prabhsimran Singh to don the gloves this time.
This year, the Punjab Kings squad is filled with Aussies and Kiwis, leading to discussions about who should open with Prabhsimran Singh for the upcoming season. "Marcus Stoinis could be one of the best bets to open the innings," noted one sports analyst when pointing to the player's history of success at the top of the order.
Prabhsimran Singh, having played extensively over the last few years, has gained the trust of Punjab Kings. He scored 250 runs in 2024 and demonstrated potential by scoring 316 runs from 13 innings at the top with impressive strike rates. His consistent performance makes him integral to Punjab’s opening strategy.
There’s also speculation around managing Jos Inglis as another opener alongside Prabhsimran Singh. Inglis has compiled solid stats over the years; until 2022, he played as an opener with notable performances. He managed 110 runs from three innings and recorded decent stats from previous T20 matches—a strong contender to fill one of the opening slots.
Then there’s Marcus Stoinis, who presents an intriguing option. He has opened the innings before extensively, with impressive numbers to back it. For example, he played 14 T20 matches as opener back in 2021, scoring 369 runs. Besides, he displayed remarkable consistency by scoring 680 runs over 19 innings in 2020 with a strike rate of 142.3.
This year, before the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the equation seemed simple: Jos Inglis and Prabhsimran Singh at the top. But then Suryansh Shegde delivered standout performances—scoring 71 runs with a brilliant strike rate of 273.1 during just two matches. The explosive newcomer’s success has complicated the opening lineup decision.
Given the packed middle order, including big hitters like Glenn Maxwell, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, and Shashank Singh, it might make tactical sense to open with Stoinis and Prabhsimran Singh. This would allow Suryansh Shegde to find his place more comfortably down the order, also enabling the team to bolster their bowling line-up possibly bringing someone like Lockie Ferguson.
Overall, the consensus is clear: Marcus Stoinis should ideally open with Prabhsimran Singh as Punjab Kings gear up for IPL 2025.
Meanwhile, the cricketing drama continues off the pitch as Stoinis has also been spotted leading his team on Stars TV’s Season 5, where his leadership skills are being highlighted. The show dives behind the scenes at the Gauntlet and explores interactions like puzzles on player management, including his teammates like Glenn Maxwell.
Recently, Stoinis faced some frustrations during matches, such as when he shot daggers at the SCG pitch after one misfired throw to Sixers star James Vince went for four, costing him five wides—a display of competitive spirit evident among players.
Fans can catch this lighthearted yet incisive side of the cricketing world as they build their fantasy cricket teams, choosing from players like Stoinis and matching them against their strategic insights.
With much on the line, both Stoinis' past performances and his potential to impact the team's future are something to keep close watch on as the IPL season approaches.
