Exclusive: Punjab’s Time to Shine? Sreesanth Backs Kings for IPL 2025 Playoffs

Former India pacer S. Sreesanth is keeping his fingers crossed for Punjab Kings in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025), which kicked off on Saturday. 

The two-time World Cup winner believes Punjab has what it takes to reach the playoffs and possibly clinch their maiden title.

“I would love to see Punjab in the playoffs because Shreyas Iyer has performed consistently well in domestic cricket and the Champions Trophy. Watching his interviews, you get inspired by how much he has matured, no matter what he has achieved. It’s just a matter of winning those crunch moments, and I hope it’s finally Punjab’s time to shine. I’ll keep my fingers crossed to see them in the final,” Sreesanth told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview.

Sreesanth also named Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals as his top contenders for the season, highlighting the league’s competitive nature.

IPL: A Spectacle Like No Other

Now a JioStar expert, Sreesanth credits the vision of the BCCI, the commitment of franchise owners, and strategic marketing for making IPL the world’s most exciting T20 league.

“Every single game is better than a Bollywood or Hollywood movie. In other leagues, only the finals and semifinals are interesting, but in the IPL, the excitement begins from day one. Even during preparations, the training matches are promoted across all possible channels. It’s all about presenting the best possible product."

Beyond its commercial success, Sreesanth emphasises IPL’s role in transforming cricketers’ careers, providing a platform for talent from remote corners of the country.

“The way I describe IPL is from, nobody to somebody to everybody,” he added.

Challenges ahead

While he refrains from calling any team a “weak link,” Sreesanth acknowledges that Rajasthan Royals may have a challenge without Sanju Samson in the initial matches, putting the pressure on youngster Riyan Parag.

“That’s what makes IPL exciting—a Ruturaj Gaikwad leading a guy like MS Dhoni, the leader of leaders. Where else does this happen in any part of the world.

300-Plus Totals in IPL 2025?

One of the most debated topics ahead of the season is whether the 300-run mark will finally be breached in the IPL. 

Sreesanth believes it could happen, especially on high-scoring wickets in Bengaluru or Hyderabad.

“300 will be a big call, but on wickets like Bengaluru or Hyderabad, where we have already seen scores of 200 and 240 consistently—even in practice matches—it is possible. In IPL, anything can happen—that’s why I call it the ‘Impossible Premier League.’ 

But as a bowler, I’d also love to see a game where a team is bowled out for 68 or 75. Broadcasters might not like it, but I’d love to see someone like a Mayank Yadav or some young pacer announcing his arrival in such a game. It will happen, I’m sure—no one can predict it."

Despite high-scoring trends, the 42-year-old Sreesanth insists that belief and execution remain key for bowlers to succeed.

“If I’m not in the bowling team, I won’t mind seeing big scores (sic)! But on a serious note, if I’m bowling, scores of 250-270 won’t happen. Every bowler should have a belief system, no matter which surface they’re playing on. Stick to your plan, believe in your ability, and give 100 percent. That’s what gets results. Look at a Varun Chakravarthy or Yuzvendra Chahal—it’s about varying the pace, using the crease, and most importantly, executing your plans.”

Two new balls for second innings

Sreesanth also welcomed the new rule allowing two balls in the second innings, aimed at countering the dew factor. 

The rule change was approved in a recent BCCI meeting, alongside the lifting of the saliva ban and the continuation of the Impact Player rule.

“It’s becoming a proper batsman’s game, but this move will be bowler-friendly too. Dew makes it difficult for bowlers, and teams chasing have always had that privilege. Now, the toss won’t matter as much, and the contest will be more balanced,” he concluded.