In a remarkable shift in digital engagement, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been crowned the most-searched Indian Premier League (IPL) team on Google for 2025. This digital dominance sees them surpass established powerhouses such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Mumbai Indians (MI). The franchise’s impressive online visibility also earned them the fourth spot globally among the most-searched sports teams, a list typically dominated by international football and baseball clubs. This surprising ascent highlights PBKS’s growing global appeal and effective digital strategies.
The surge in search interest can be largely attributed to an exhilarating IPL 2025 season for Punjab Kings. Under the new leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer, the team reached the IPL final for the first time since 2014, captivating audiences worldwide. Despite a close loss in the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, their consistent performance and maiden final appearance generated significant global curiosity. Key pre-season developments, including the record-breaking acquisition of Shreyas Iyer for Rs 26.75 crore, the addition of veteran coach Ricky Ponting, and strategic player transfers like spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, further fueled this sustained interest. These on-field successes and high-profile personnel changes were instrumental in PBKS’s impressive Google ranking. The team’s proactive approach to building a relatable brand and connecting with fans emotionally has clearly resonated, as acknowledged by Chief Commercial Officer Saurabh Arora. He emphasized the importance of fans connecting with the team’s stories, culture, and identity, stating that the global ranking reflects a deep fan investment and curiosity.