IPL 2025 has largely been about the unknown thus far. Although the typical teams dominated the pre-season prediction charts, the overlooked sides have arisen as formidable challengers for the coveted title at the halfway point of the 18th season of the league. Punjab Kings are one of those teams, who have been expected to end their winless streak and secure their first trophy. However, despite their remarkable performance, which places them in the top four after 44 matches this season, former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary made a foreboding prediction, stating that PBKS's trophy drought will persist in 2025.

Tiwary formulated his opinion based on Punjab's matchup against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday at the Eden Gardens, which concluded without a result due to rain. The former KKR player criticized PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, claiming he is neglecting Indian players while favoring a struggling Glenn Maxwell.

On Saturday, after Prabhsimran Singh's explosive innings of 83 off 49 concluded in the 15th over, Tiwary anticipated that Nehal Wadhera would be brought in at No. 4, having demonstrated his capability in that position both for Punjab and for Mumbai Indians during the previous season. Instead, Ponting opted to support Maxwell, whose poor form persisted as he was out for seven off 8.

With only 20 balls remaining in the innings and Punjab aiming for a total exceeding 200, Tiwary felt that Shashank Singh, a recognized finisher, could have been the appropriate choice. Yet, the franchise unexpectedly placed Marco Jansen at No. 5, followed by Josh Inglis.

Seeing Ponting favor his Australian options over Indian players, Tiwary cautioned the head coach, indicating that if he continues with this approach, Punjab will forfeit the chance to secure the IPL trophy this season.

"My gut feeling indicates that the Punjab team will not succeed in winning the #IPL trophy this season because what I observed today during their batting was that the coach didn’t put Indian in-form batters Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh into play; instead, he relied on his foreign players to perform, but they couldn’t and evidently displayed a lack of confidence in Indian players lower in the order. If he maintains this strategy, then the title is beyond reach for them regardless of their qualification in the top two," he tweeted.

Where do PBKS stand in IPL table?

Having shared a position with defending champions KKR on Saturday, PBKS kept their place at the fourth position in the points table. After nine matches, they achieved five victories and experienced three losses.

The Shreyas Iyer-led team will next compete against Chennai Super Kings on April 30 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, followed by a journey to Dharamsala, where they will play against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4.

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