Punjab Kings (PBKS) had a relatively subdued outing at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, with the 2025 runners-up opting for continuity over major reshuffles. Having already retained a strong core, PBKS added just four players to round out their squad, focusing largely on depth rather than headline signings.
The franchise’s key investments came in the form of Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly and left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis, both of whom add balance and overseas experience to an already well-set lineup. With a settled Indian core and multiple pace options, PBKS appear to be backing stability as they chase another title push in IPL 2026.
PBKS IPL 2026 squad composition
Wicketkeepers:
Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod
Batters:
Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu
All-rounders:
Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Praveen Dubey, Cooper Connolly
Fast bowlers:
Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Ben Dwarshuis
Spinners:
Yuzvendra Chahal, Vishal Nishad
Biggest buys for Punjab Kings at IPL 2026 auction
PBKS’ most notable additions were Cooper Connolly, who strengthens the lower-middle order and provides an extra bowling option, and Ben Dwarshuis, a left-arm pacer capable of offering variety alongside Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson. The restrained spending reflects confidence in the squad that reached the final last season.
PBKS probable playing XI for IPL 2026
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Cooper Connolly, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Player: Vyshak Vijaykumar
This XI gives Punjab Kings a strong mix of power batting, multiple seam-bowling all-rounders, and a proven spin option in Chahal, while keeping flexibility through the Impact Player rule.
PBKS IPL 2026 full squad
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.
With minimal changes and a settled core, Punjab Kings will head into IPL 2026 aiming to build on last season’s momentum and go one step further in their quest for the title.
