Punjab Kings' Strategic Shift: Stoinis Benched Against KKR

The Punjab Kings made a puzzling decision during their IPL 2025 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders by leaving Marcus Stoinis out of the lineup. Up until now, all-rounder Stoinis has accumulated 59 runs across five matches but has yet to claim a wicket this season. Just before the PBKS vs KKR game, cameras captured coach Ricky Ponting conversing with Stoinis, potentially delivering the news.

Pommie Mbangwa, the former Zimbabwe cricketer present in the commentary box, stated, “It’s clear they put a lot of thought into the team setup. This seems to be a last-minute choice made directly at the venue. Stoinis, with his gloves and bat ready, appears to be receiving the unfortunate update on-site. It’s difficult to bench any player in this manner.” Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull also expressed his astonishment at Stoinis’ exclusion.