Punjab Kings Boost Playoff Hopes with Return of Stoinis, Inglis, Hardie & Jamieson

May 20, 2025: Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to receive a major boost ahead of their final league fixtures, with four key overseas players — Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Kyle Jamieson — arriving in India on Tuesday to join the squad, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Their arrival comes at a crucial juncture as PBKS, currently third on the points table with 17 points, have already secured a playoff berth and are now eyeing a top-two finish. The returning quartet will be available for selection starting with the high-stakes encounter against Delhi Capitals on May 24, followed by their final league match against Mumbai Indians on May 26 in Jaipur.

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Stoinis and Inglis, the Australian power-hitters, have seen limited action this season. Stoinis has managed 82 runs in seven innings at a blistering strike rate of 167.34 but has lacked consistency. Inglis, on the other hand, has scored 92 runs in six innings with a strike rate of 139.39, showing flashes of form.

Aaron Hardie, the seam-bowling all-rounder from Western Australia, is yet to make his debut this IPL season after being bought for ₹1.25 crore in the previous auction. His inclusion adds depth to Punjab’s all-round capabilities.

New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson joins PBKS as an injury replacement for fellow Kiwi Lockie Ferguson, who was ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025 due to a hamstring injury. Jamieson was acquired for ₹2 crore and brings experience and bounce to the bowling unit. A former ₹15 crore signing by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2021, Jamieson has claimed 9 wickets in 9 IPL matches at an average of 29.89.

Internationally, Jamieson made headlines with his debut against India in 2020 and holds the record as the first New Zealand fast bowler to take five-wicket hauls in both innings of a Test match.

With the reinforcements arriving just in time, Punjab Kings are set to unleash their full-strength squad in the final leg of the league stage as they aim to finish strong and carry momentum into the playoffs.