Punjab Kings head into the IPL 2026 mini-auction with one of the smallest shopping lists in the league. Having retained more players than any other franchise, the 2025 runners-up have just four slots to fill, two of them overseas, and a purse of Rs 11.50 crore. This gives PBKS the luxury of being selective rather than reactive.
Punjab Kings squad overview
Probable playing XII:
Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Owen, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal
Other squad members:
Vyshak Vijaykumar, Musheer Khan, Harnoor Pannu, Pyla Avinash, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Yash Thakur, Azmatullah Omarzai, Xavier Bartlett
What Punjab Kings need at the auction
With four high-quality overseas all-rounders already in the squad, PBKS have strong flexibility in team combinations. They can either play three overseas all-rounders regularly or free up one overseas slot for a specialist batter, particularly someone capable of providing explosive middle-order contributions similar to Josh Inglis’ role in 2025. There is a strong possibility that this batter could also double up as a wicketkeeper, adding tactical depth.
Fast-bowling depth is another area of consideration. While Xavier Bartlett is available as cover, PBKS may still look to sign an overseas quick as insurance for Lockie Ferguson, whose recent injury history remains a concern. A like-for-like replacement who can handle pace-friendly conditions and bowl at high intensity would reduce risk across a long season.
Spin is the final piece of the puzzle. With Yuzvendra Chahal as the only frontline specialist spinner, PBKS lack depth in that department. Adding a backup leg-spinner or wrist-spinner would protect against workload management and injuries, especially during congested schedules.
Potential targets for Punjab Kings
Given their limited slots and purse, PBKS are expected to pursue precision buys rather than bidding wars:
- Shai Hope – overseas batter who can add stability and power
- Jonny Bairstow – proven IPL performer who can bat explosively and keep wickets
- Matt Henry – reliable overseas pace backup for Ferguson
- Anrich Nortje – high-pace option if fitness permits
- Rahul Chahar – experienced Indian leg-spinner as Chahal’s backup
- Ravi Bishnoi – long-term spin option if available within budget
- Vignesh Puthur – emerging left-arm spin alternative with upside
Auction outlook
Punjab Kings are well-positioned to complete their squad early and avoid prolonged bidding battles. With a settled core, leadership clarity under Shreyas Iyer, and only four slots to address, their auction success will depend on role clarity and fitness insurance rather than structural rebuilding. If PBKS land the right wicketkeeper-batter and a reliable bowling backup, they will once again enter the season as a serious title contender.
