With the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) around the corner, fans and cricket pundits have started sharing their predictions regarding the tournament.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Shashank Singh has also joined the bandwagon. The 33-year-old right-handed batter, who was retained for Rs 5.50 crore by the Mohali-based franchise ahead of the mega-auction last November, has predicted that PBKS will top the league table this season.

Shashank made the bold claim while speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube podcast. When asked to name his top-four teams for IPL 2025, he said, “Punjab Kings No. 1. It’s not like I’m in Punjab Kings, so I am saying this. Punjab Kings one finish karega points table par. Top-2 mein Punjab Kings finish karega, uske baad SRH is a very good team; RCB is good, and one out of MI or CSK will finish in the top four."

Punjab Kings have featured in all 17 IPL seasons so far, but they managed to finish as the table toppers only once (in 2014).

In IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer will captain the Punjab Kings. The middle-order batter led KKR to the IPL title win last year. He was signed for a staggering INR 26.75 crore by PBKS in the mega-auction.

PBKS have also roped in the legendary Ricky Ponting as head coach. The duo of Shreyas and Ponting has previously worked at the Delhi Capitals.

Punjab Kings will open their IPL 2025 campaign on March 25 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.