Punjab Kings (PBKS) entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction with the second-lowest purse, behind only Mumbai Indians, holding just INR 11.50 crore. Last season’s runner-up retained 21 players and released only five, demonstrating their confidence in a settled squad led by captain Shreyas Iyer and guided by Ricky Ponting. In the IPL history, PBKS have reached only twice to the finals of the marquee tournament.

With four slots open ahead of the auction, including two for overseas players, PBKS remained largely quiet during the proceedings at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, acquiring just four players.

This approach highlighted their satisfaction with the core squad and their aim to maintain continuity.

PBKS Squad comparison from 2025 vs 2026

Comparing the squads from IPL 2025 and 2026, PBKS had a strong campaign last season. Key performers such as skipper Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shashank Singh, and Nehal Wadhera contributed significantly, with several youngsters and overseas players stepping up in crucial moments.

Ahead of the mini-auction, PBKS released Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, and Praveen Dubey.

Among them, only Inglis had delivered consistently, while others either underperformed or were seldom given opportunities.

In the 2026 mini-auction, PBKS secured Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, and Praveen Dubey again, along with youngsters Vishal Nishad. By keeping their young core intact and adding a few strategic reinforcements, PBKS have maintained squad stability while slightly strengthening key areas.

With this minimal but calculated revamp, the Punjab-based franchise will aim to convert their consistency into success and lift the IPL trophy for the first time in franchise history, relying on a mix of experienced performers and promising young talent to challenge for the title once again.

Punjab Kings squad for IPL 2026

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Vishal Nishad, Praveen Dubey.