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After ending a long wait with a runners up finish last season, Punjab Kings approach IPL 2026 with restraint and belief, making selective auction moves while trusting a settled core to carry their renewed championship ambitions forward.
PBKS retained big players like Yuzvendra Chahal.
New Delhi: Punjab Kings arrived at the IPL 2026 mini auction carrying one of the smallest purses among the ten franchises. With Rs 11.50 crore available, the management chose patience over panic. The franchise stayed out of early bidding wars, observing how the market unfolded before making calculated moves that aligned with their team balance and long term strategy.
PBKS made their first purchase only during the accelerated round, signaling a clear plan to target specific players. Australian all rounder Cooper Connolly became their opening signing for Rs 3 crore. The left handed batter and slow left arm bowler attracted early interest, but Punjab raised the bid at the right moment to secure him, adding a versatile option to their middle order and spin department.
Connolly brings flexibility that suits Punjab Kings current structure. His ability to bat aggressively while offering a spin option gives the team more control in the middle overs. For a side that prefers multi skill players, Connolly strengthens depth without forcing changes to the core combination that worked well last season.
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Later in the auction, Punjab Kings added Australian fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis for Rs 4.40 crore. His inclusion adds variety to the pace attack with his left arm angle and ability to bowl at different stages of the innings. Dwarshuis provides cover and competition in a bowling unit that already boasts several international quality options.
Punjab Kings enter IPL 2026 riding the confidence of a memorable 2025 season. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the team reached the final for the first time in over a decade, eventually losing a close contest by six runs. Despite the heartbreak, the campaign marked a turning point, as PBKS returned to the playoffs and established themselves as genuine contenders.
The final Punjab Kings squad reflects continuity with selective reinforcement. The full list includes 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, Pravin Dubey and Vishal Nishad.
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One of the biggest takeaways from Punjab Kings auction strategy is their faith in the existing squad. Most of the players who contributed to the strong 2025 run were retained, ensuring chemistry and clarity in roles. With experienced all rounders, quality spinners and a potent pace attack, the team enters the new season with minimal disruption.
While continuity was the priority, PBKS did part ways with a few high profile players. Glenn Maxwell was the most significant release after an underwhelming and injury affected season. Josh Inglis and a handful of others were also released, freeing up space and allowing the team to streamline combinations ahead of IPL 2026.
Punjab Kings approach the upcoming season with renewed belief rather than sweeping changes. The mix of youth, experience and overseas strength positions them well to challenge again. With lessons learned from the final loss, PBKS will aim to go one step further and turn consistency into silverware.
