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PBKS Retention List Before IPL 2026 Auction: Likely List Of Players Punjab Kings Will Retain

Aditya Ighe

Last updated: July 9, 2025

5 min read

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.

PBKS Retention List for IPL 2026 Auction

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.

Shreyas Iyer – His leadership skills and consistency with the willow make him indispensable.
Arshdeep Singh – PBKS’ rock in the death overs and powerplay
Josh Inglis – Powerplay enforcer at No. 3/4 and stability behind the stumps
Marco Jansen – Can bowl economically in almost every phase of the game
Priyansh Arya – Consistency with hefty strike rates, setting the tone upfront
Prabhsimran Singh – Adds to the perfect left-right opening pair and is a power-hitter at the top
Shashank Singh – Ideal finisher for PBKS

Final Likely players to be retained by PBKS

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
Mitch Owen

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PBKS Released Players Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

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.

Glenn Maxwell – low-impact season of 48 runs, averaging eight
Marcus Stoinis – Inconsistent and struggled against leg-spinners
Aaron Hardie – Didn’t get a chance as PBKS preferred Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar

Likely Full PBKS Released Players List

Glenn Maxwell
Marcus Stoinis
Aaron Hardie
Xavier Bartlett
Kuldeep Sen
Kyle Jamieson
Pyla Avinash
Pravin Dubey
Harnoor Pannu

Likely PBKS Squad Ahead of IPL 2025 Auction

Here’s how the Punjab Kings squad might look after all the retentions and releases are completed.

Category: Retained

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

Category: Released

Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Kyle Jamieson, Pyla Avinash, Pravin Dubey, and Harnoor Pannu

Captaincy Status

Shreyas Iyer would continue to lead the side after helping PBKS enter the IPL Playoffs for the first time in a decade.

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What to Expect From PBKS at the IPL 2026 Auction

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.