Punjab Kings (PBKS), one of the most unpredictable yet exciting teams in the IPL, are entering the 2026 season with a fresh mindset. After a sucessful IPL 2025 campaign, the franchise is set to rebuild by retaining only a few key players and going big at the auction to create a stronger, more balanced squad.
Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Squad
With just a small core group retained, PBKS are expected to build a new-look team at the auction. The focus will be on consistent domestic talent and impactful overseas signings to support their retained stars.
Which players will be released by PBKS ahead of IPL 2026?
After IPL 2025, PBKS is likely to release several high-priced or underperforming players. Here’s a list of those expected to be let go:
- . Glenn Maxwell: Played 7 matches, scored only 55 runs. Injury and poor form make him a release candidate.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: Inconsistent all-round performances with high economy. May not be retained.
- Aaron Hardie: Did not feature in a single match in 2025. Likely to be released.
- Yash Thakur: Got limited chances and failed to impress in his two outings.
Which players will be retained by PBKS for IPL 2026
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Owen, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Musheer Khan, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Kyle Jamieson, Vishnu Vinod, Kuldeep Sen, Harnoor Singh, Pyla Avinash
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Key players from IPL 2025 campaign to build team for the future
These four retained players stood out in an otherwise average season. Their consistent performances and potential make them the foundation of the team heading into IPL 2026.
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain): A calm and composed leader, Shreyas Iyer brings stability to the batting order and valuable experience as captain. His ability to anchor the innings makes him a pillar around whom PBKS will look to rebuild.
- Prabhsimran Singh: The aggressive wicketkeeper-batter proved to be a solid top-order option with his fearless approach in the powerplay. He’s shown the ability to give quick starts and will be a key part of PBKS’s batting strategy.
- Shashank Singh: Shashank had a breakthrough season in 2025 with his powerful hitting in the middle overs. He played several impactful cameos and showcased strong temperament under pressure.
- Arshdeep Singh: PBKS’s go-to pacer, Arshdeep continued to impress with his swing bowling and accuracy at the death. His consistency with the ball makes him an automatic retention and a core part of the bowling attack.
PBKS 2026 Playing XI
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Priyash Arya
- Josh Inglis
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Nehal Wadera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Marco Jansen
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Kyle Jamieson
