Punjab Kings are getting ready for the IPL 2026 auction with a plan that is clearly defined and very thoughtful. Team captain Shreyas Iyer together with coach Ricky Ponting are looking for smart purchases only, instead of attracting large media attention through signings, even though they have a small budget of ₹11.50 crore. Here we present auction blueprint of PBKS closer, retained core, gaps to fill and key targets.
Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 Auction Strategy
Punjab Kings had a fairy tale run in the IPL 2025, finally losing the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and being the runners up. The new team impressed everyone with their consistency and balance under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting.
Before the IPL 2026 auction, Punjab Kings are not thinking about a drastic change. The team has a good foundation and is stepping in with a strategy of making very specific and less selections to patch the already existing gaps.
Retained Players and Remaining Purse
Punjab Kings have maintained a total of 21 players before the auction. Thus, they will have only four openings in their 25-member squad. Among the four openings, only two are for foreign players.
The franchise enters the auction with a remaining purse of ₹11.50 crore — the second-lowest among all teams. However, with most positions already covered, PBKS believe the amount is sufficient to strengthen the squad strategically.
Punjab Kings’ Retention List for IPL 2026
The major players kept in the team are Shreyas Iyer (who is the captain), Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and so on.
Among the players released before the auction, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Praveen Dubey, Kuldeep Sen, and Josh Inglis are those players.
Key Gaps and Team Requirements
Punjab Kings have identified two major concerns:
- Replacement for Wicketkeeper-batter: Since it is likely that Josh Inglis will not be a part of the team for most of the season, PBKS is on the lookout for a foreign wicketkeeper-batter who would be able to bat at No.3 or No.4. In case they choose a pure batter, an Indian wicketkeeper will have to be picked as well.
- Overseas all-rounder: After the departure of Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie, the team is in need of a top-class overseas all-rounder. Owing to the strength of their pace attack, PBKS might consider bringing in a spin-bowling all-rounder, in addition to a new spinner and a pace backup.
Punjab Kings’ Target List at IPL 2026 Auction
Despite budget constraints, PBKS have shortlisted specific players who fit their requirements:
- Finn Allen (New Zealand): A top-order batter and wicketkeeper, Allen is seen as an ideal replacement for Josh Inglis. His aggressive style suits PBKS’ attacking approach.
- Auqib Nabi (India): The Jammu & Kashmir pacer has been in strong domestic form and could thrive on the pace-friendly Chandigarh surface.
- Cooper Connolly (Australia): A young spin-bowling all-rounder capable of filling the Glenn Maxwell role with both bat and ball.
- Wiaan Mulder (South Africa): A medium-pace all-rounder who can act as backup for Marco Jansen or Marcus Stoinis.
Future Focus and Backup Options
Besides international players, Punjab Kings are looking at the future with uncapped Indian cricketers. Tushar Raheja or Kartik Sharma, for instance, could be proposed as second-stringers to Prabhsimran Singh.
The team could also go for overseas all-rounders like Liam Livingstone, Wanindu Hasaranga, or Michael Bracewell if the auction circumstances are favourable.
With caution and conservatism, the Punjab Kings intend to extract the maximum value from their limited resources and gradually create a team that is strong enough to reach the playoffs in IPL 2026.
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