Punjab Kings qualified for the playoffs and IPL 2025 final after a decade.
Punjab Kings (PBKS), the runners-up of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, might look to fine-tune their resources in the squad ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. After qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in a decade, the Shreyas Iyer-led side fell just six runs short of winning the title. With a strong Indian core and a clear template to move forward, the franchise is expected to retain a nice mix of seasoned campaigners and rising talents. However, some players had dismal outings, and the franchise could eye a partial rebuild. Based on performance trends, value-for-money, and potential impact, here are the possible retentions and releases.
MAL-W
–
ASM-W
–
SK
116/10
INA
168/10
Indonesia beat South Korea by 52 runs
PHL
–
SK
–
SK
–
INA
–
SL
285/7
BAN
53/2
BUL-W
132/4
GRC-W
176/2
Greece Women beat Bulgaria Women by 44 runs
GRC-W
123/9
SBA-W
122/10
Greece Women beat Serbia Women by 1 wickets
TKW-W
–
BUL-W
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
TBC
–
GENW
188/2
HAST
123/7
Gent Wolves beat Hasselt Titans by 65 runs
HAST
123/4
OSTG
119/6
Hasselt Titans beat Ostend Tigers by 6 wickets
LEST
138/6
ATPG
139/6
Antwerp Giants beat Liege Stallions by 4 wickets
GENW
–
OSTG
140/4
LEUL
–
BRBA
–
ATPG
–
GENW
–
LEST
–
GENW
–
HAST
–
LEST
–
LEUL
–
HAST
–
BRBA
–
OSTG
–
ATPG
–
OSTG
–
GTC
125/7
91YC
131/6
91 Yards Club beat Gauhati Town Club by 6 runs
BCC
132/6
NVR
85/10
Bud Cricket Club beat Navarang Club by 47 runs (VJD method)
91YC
–
BCC
–
CCC
–
NAJC
–
GUE
138/5
JER
160/4
Jersey beat Guernsey by 22 runs
NED
–
SCOT
–
ITA
–
SCOT
–
NED
–
GUE
–
ENG-W
–
IND-W
–
LLG
160/2
MUR
159/8
Leinster Lightning beat Munster Reds by 8 wickets
NK
–
NWW
–
MUR
–
NK
–
LLG
–
NWW
–
KRMPS
–
SUL
–
STCC
–
MECS
–
MB
296/4
THUO
115/9
Malaysia Blues beat Thunderstorm Outlanders by 181 runs
THUO
164/7
MR
166/6
Malaysia Reds beat Thunderstorm Outlanders by 4 wickets
THUO
–
MB
–
WAF
–
TSKS
–
SFU
–
MINY
–
RWT
137/8
VMK
138/4
Villianur Mohit Kings beat Ruby White Town Legends by 6 wickets
YAR
65/2
MMS
–
RWT
–
YAR
–
OAW
–
KAK
–
TAN
–
BHN
104/1
TAN
–
ML
–
GER
–
BHN
–
AUS A
–
SL-A
–
WTS
–
PTS
–
AMW
–
IYH
–
SOM
–
ESS
–
MID
–
HAM
–
GLO
–
SURR
–
BB
–
LAN
–
SUSS
–
KENT
–
SOM-W
–
ESS-W
22/0
HAM-W
–
LAN-W
–
BRB-W
–
SUR-W
–
Punjab Kings are known for making changes on their side, be it in the coaching staff or the squad. However, IPL 2025 was a bit different. The head coach, Ricky Ponting, picked his players and backed them throughout the season. It eventually gave them the results. Hence, it is expected that PBKS might opt for some tactical changes only instead of changing the core.
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While there were many good performances from different players on various occasions, some didn’t live up to expectations. They were given a designated role and clarity about their jobs, but couldn’t add value when the side needed it the most. However, it mainly applies to their overseas picks who couldn’t provide expected returns despite heavy price tags. PBKS struggled with their middle-order and might seek some overseas options in the upcoming auction.
Here’s how the Punjab Kings squad might look after all the retentions and releases are completed.
Priyash Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyashak, Yash Thakur, Musheer Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Ashmatullah Omarzai, and Mitch Owen
Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Kyle Jamieson, Pyla Avinash, Pravin Dubey, and Harnoor Pannu
Shreyas Iyer would continue to lead the side after helping PBKS enter the IPL Playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Despite their IPL 2025 final run, the Punjab Kings have some gaps to fill as they head into the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The franchise lacks a finisher to accompany Shashank Singh in the lower-middle order. PBKS were heavily dependent on Stoinis and Maxwell, but both had a miserable season. Moreover, they might shop for a good off-spinner, especially on a tricky Mullanpur surface where spinners have played a huge part. They would also expect Lockie Ferguson to be fit for the entire next season. If not, they will have to search for another middle-over enforcer who can click 145-150 kph. Considering these prospects, PBKS can target suitable players in the IPL 2026 auction. Some options are:
Michael Bracewell (Auction) – The Kiwi all-rounder is a good replacement for Glenn Maxwell. Bracewell also provides a left-hand batting option, and his off-spin bowling could come in use in Mullanpur and away games in Chepauk and Eden Gardens.
Corbin Bosch (Trade) – Acquiring the services of Corbin Bosch of Mumbai Indians will give the Punjab Kings a definite edge over other teams. The South African all-rounder can bat at No.8 and bowl four overs.
Rovman Powell (Trade) – The former West Indies skipper Rovman Powell could be a like-for-like replacement for Marcus Stoinis. Punjab might trade him from KKR to strengthen their lower-order batting.
Likely retentions include Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Nehal Wadhera
Possible releases include Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Aaron Hardie
The Punjab Kings management would like to bolster their lower middle-order batting line-up and back-up options in the spin bowling department.
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