Irfan Pathan names Punjab Kings as dark horse for IPL 2025, backs Shreyas Iyer’s side to qualify for the playoffs

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has picked Punjab Kings as the dark horse of the ongoing IPL 2025 and also backed Shreyas Iyer’s team to qualify for the playoffs. The Mohali-based franchise won their opening match of the season against Gujarat Titans, registering an 11-run win at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

Shreyas Iyer led from the front, scoring an unbeaten knock of 97 runs off just 42 balls to help his team post 243 runs on the board. Meanwhile, PBKS have assembled a potent squad and they can certainly go all the way in the tournament if they play to their potential. PBKS have qualified for the playoffs on only two occasions in the IPL and they would look to be consistent in IPL 2025.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “My most favorite team is Punjab. According to me, PBKS are the dark horse. Not many people are talking about it, but I feel Punjab have the ability to make it to the top four by putting in full effort.”

On the other hand, Pathan reckons Royal Challengers Bengaluru have assembled potent finishers in Liam Livingstone and Tim David.

“RCB have a lot of firepower in their batting this time, with the additions of Liam Livingstone and Tim David. Earlier, there used to be just AB de Villiers or Glenn Maxwell at the end and there wasn’t much firepower apart from that. Imagine Liam Livingstone and Tim David batting together and are in form, with the ball not gripping much. Brother, it is a dangerous combination.”

The former Indian all-rounder said Mohammed Shami is going to play a crucial role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s success.

Pathan concluded, “They are a good team. Things and the setup have changed. Their qualification chances will depend on how Mohammad Shami performs with the new ball.”

SRH registered a thumping win of 44 runs against Rajasthan Royals in their opening game.