Punjab Kings approaches the 2026 season from a position of unprecedented strength following their remarkable journey to the final in 2025.
After an 11-year wait, the franchise returned to the playoffs and nearly captured their maiden IPL title.
Under Shreyas Iyer’s astute captaincy and Ricky Ponting’s strategic guidance, PBKS has embraced continuity over upheaval, making minimal but meaningful changes to their championship-contending squad.
Explore how Punjab Kings transformed from perennial underachievers to genuine title contenders through strategic squad building and leadership stability for the 2026 IPL season.
Punjab Kings 2026 Complete Squad Overview
Here is the complete list of Punjab Kings 2026 squad players. By clicking on any player’s name, you can read about their detailed biography, career stats, and net worth information.
| Player Name | Role | Country | Status | Price (₹ Crores) |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batsman (Captain) | India | Retained | – |
| Prabhsimran Singh | WK-Batsman | India | Retained | – |
| Priyansh Arya | Batsman | India | Retained | – |
| Shashank Singh | Batsman | India | Retained | – |
| Nehal Wadhera | Batsman | India | Retained | – |
| Musheer Khan | Batsman | India | Retained | – |
| Harnoor Pannu | Batsman | India | Retained | – |
| Vishnu Vinod | WK-Batsman | India | Retained | – |
| Pyla Avinash | Batsman | India | Retained | – |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-Rounder | Australia | Retained | – |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | All-Rounder | Afghanistan | Retained | – |
| Suryansh Shedge | All-Rounder | India | Retained | – |
| Mitchell Owen | All-Rounder | Australia | Retained | – |
| Cooper Connolly | All-Rounder | Australia | Auction Buy | 3.00 |
| Ben Dwarshuis | All-Rounder | Australia | Auction Buy | 4.40 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Spinner | India | Retained | – |
| Harpreet Brar | Spinner | India | Retained | – |
| Pravin Dubey | Spinner | India | Auction Buy | 0.30 |
| Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler | India | Retained | – |
| Marco Jansen | Fast Bowler | South Africa | Retained | – |
| Lockie Ferguson | Fast Bowler | New Zealand | Retained | – |
| Xavier Bartlett | Fast Bowler | Australia | Retained | – |
| Vyshak Vijaykumar | Fast Bowler | India | Retained | – |
| Yash Thakur | Fast Bowler | India | Retained | – |
| Vishal Nishad | All-Rounder | India | Auction Buy | 0.30 |
Squad Statistics:
- Total Players: 25 (17 Indians, 8 Overseas)
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer
- Coach: Ricky Ponting
- Home Ground: IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
- Auction Investment: ₹8.00 Crores (second-lowest purse)
- IPL Finals Reached: 1 (2025 – Lost to RCB by 6 runs)
PBKS Captain 2026
Shreyas Iyer will be leading PBKS in the 19th edition after successfully guiding the franchise to their first final in over a decade.
The 30-year-old Mumbai batsman has established himself as Punjab’s long-term leadership solution, bringing tactical acumen and calm decision-making to the role.
Iyer’s Leadership Journey: The experienced captain transformed Punjab’s fortunes through consistent performance and strategic thinking. His ability to adapt tactics mid-game and extract the best from diverse talents proved instrumental in their breakthrough 2025 campaign.
Captain’s Profile:
- Age: 30 years
- Leadership Experience: Former KKR captain, multiple franchise experience
- Batting Style: Classical technique with modern adaptability
- Tactical Approach: Proactive field placements, bowling rotation mastery
- Team Management: Player-centric approach fostering squad unity
Championship Credentials: Under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, the team reached the final for the first time in over a decade, establishing themselves as genuine contenders. His captaincy provided the stability and direction Punjab had long sought.
Punjab IPL Team New Players 2026
Punjab Kings retained 21 players and acquired just four new signings at the auction table in Abu Dhabi. Their minimal approach reflected confidence in the existing squad that delivered historic success.
| Player | Country | Role | Price | Strategic Impact |
| Cooper Connolly | Australia | All-Rounder | ₹3.00 cr | Dynamic power-hitting and left-arm spin, replacing Glenn Maxwell’s role |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Australia | All-Rounder | ₹4.40 cr | Left-arm pacer adding bowling depth with power-hitting option at death |
| Pravin Dubey | India | Spinner | ₹0.30 cr | Leg-spinner providing crucial support alongside Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar |
| Vishal Nishad | India | All-Rounder | ₹0.30 cr | Promising young talent adding depth and future potential |
- Australian All-Round Focus: Punjab Kings’ most notable additions were Australian all-rounders Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis, both adding balance and flexibility to the squad. This strategy aligns with coach Ricky Ponting’s preference for familiar talent.
- Strategic Continuity: Explaining Cooper Connolly’s selection, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer said: “He wasn’t in our mind initially but as we brainstormed, we realized he fit the position perfectly”.
- Budget Management: The Kings entered the auction with ₹11.5 crores, exhausting ₹8 crores while acquiring two overseas and two Indian players, demonstrating focused spending within tight constraints.
PBKS Retained Players 2026
Punjab Kings retained the most players across the league with 21 retentions after their breakthrough season. This unprecedented retention level showcased faith in the championship-contending core.
Indian Batting Engine Room: The retained lineup boasts a powerful Indian batting engine featuring Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Shashank Singh, providing the foundation for consistent scoring.
All-Round Strength: Marcus Stoinis anchors the overseas all-round department, supported by emerging talents like Azmatullah Omarzai and Mitchell Owen who offer tactical flexibility.
Bowling Foundation: A solid pace battery led by Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, and Lockie Ferguson, along with the spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar forms the backbone of Punjab’s bowling attack.
Youth Investment: Players like Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, and Harnoor Pannu represent Punjab’s commitment to developing young Indian talent alongside experienced campaigners.
Punjab Franchise Released Players 2026
The released players include Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, and Pravin Dubey, with Glenn Maxwell being the most notable release after an injury-affected 2025 season.
Strategic Release Analysis:
- Glenn Maxwell – Australian star released due to injury concerns and role overlap
- Josh Inglis – Wicket-keeper moved to create budget space
- Aaron Hardie – Australian all-rounder made way for targeted alternatives
- Kuldeep Sen – Indian pacer released for depth optimization
Roster Management Philosophy: PBKS released only five players, and these were those who didn’t play or have a good last season. Each release served specific squad balance purposes.
PBKS Playing 11 2026
The Punjab cricket team benefits from exceptional squad depth and multiple tactical formations. Their balanced construction enables strategic adaptation based on conditions and opposition analysis.
Most Likely Starting XI:
- Prabhsimran Singh – Dynamic wicket-keeper opener, aggressive powerplay specialist
- Priyansh Arya – Left-handed batsman providing balance to top order
- Shreyas Iyer – Captain leading the middle order, anchor and accelerator
- Marcus Stoinis – Australian power-hitter, crucial middle-order finisher
- Shashank Singh – Consistent Indian batsman, proven under pressure
- Cooper Connolly – New Australian all-rounder, left-arm spin option
- Marco Jansen – South African pace all-rounder, adds batting depth
- Harpreet Brar – Left-arm spinner, valuable lower-order contributor
- Arshdeep Singh – Indian pace spearhead, powerplay and death specialist
- Yuzvendra Chahal – Leg-spin master, middle-overs wicket-taker
- Lockie Ferguson – New Zealand express pacer, raw pace option
Alternative Combinations: Punjab Kings have tactical flexibility with Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, and other all-rounders giving options for different match situations. Ben Dwarshuis provides additional overseas pace variety.
Punjab Cricket Team Home Ground
IS Bindra Stadium Mohali Advantages:
- Location: Mohali, Punjab
- Capacity: 26,950
- Pitch Characteristics: Generally balanced, assists both batsmen and bowlers
- Home Support: Passionate Punjabi cricket culture, vocal support base
The venue provides excellent home advantage with enthusiastic local crowds creating intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. The ground’s conditions suit Punjab’s balanced approach perfectly.
Punjab IPL Franchise Historical Performance
| Season | Captain | Wins | Losses | Position | Notable Achievement |
| 2014 | George Bailey | 12 | 4 | 2nd Place | Lost final to KKR |
| 2025 | Shreyas Iyer | 11 | 3 | 2nd Place | Lost final to RCB by 6 runs |
Their performance marked a significant milestone, as the franchise reached the playoffs and final for the first time in 11 years. The 2025 campaign represented a complete transformation in franchise fortunes.
Why PBKS Can Win IPL 2026
Punjab Cricket Team Strengths:
- The team established themselves as genuine contenders with lessons learned from the final loss
- Exceptional balance between batting firepower and bowling variety
- Proven ability to perform under pressure in knockout situations
- Outstanding leadership combination of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting
- Strategic squad depth providing multiple tactical options
Championship Momentum: The franchise enters 2026 with unprecedented confidence and championship belief. Their near-miss in 2025 provides motivation and experience for the ultimate breakthrough.
Tactical Advantages: Unlike teams making wholesale changes, Punjab’s continuity ensures chemistry and understanding remain intact. Their settled core eliminates integration challenges faced by heavily restructured squads.
Competitive Edge: Instead of chasing headline-grabbing signings, PBKS have prioritised stability, leadership and role clarity, creating sustainable success foundations rather than short-term fixes.
FAQs
Who is PBKS captain 2026?
Shreyas Iyer continues as Punjab Kings captain for 2026. The 30-year-old Mumbai batsman successfully led the franchise to their first final in 11 years during the 2025 season.
Who are Punjab franchise new players 2026?
PBKS made four auction signings: Cooper Connolly (₹3cr), Ben Dwarshuis (₹4.4cr), Pravin Dubey (₹30 lakhs), and Vishal Nishad (₹30 lakhs), focusing on Australian all-round options.
How much did Punjab cricket team spend in auction 2026?
Punjab Kings spent ₹8 crores at the auction from their ₹11.5 crores purse, making strategic additions while maintaining their championship core.
Who is Punjab Kings owner?
Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta, and Karan Paul jointly own the Punjab franchise, bringing Bollywood and business expertise to cricket.
What is PBKS home ground?
IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali serves as Punjab’s home venue, featuring 26,950 capacity and balanced playing conditions.
Has Punjab IPL team ever won the tournament?
No, Punjab Kings has never won an IPL title, though they reached finals in 2014 and 2025, losing both in heartbreaking fashion.
Who is Punjab cricket team coach 2026?
Ricky Ponting continues as head coach, bringing World Cup-winning experience and tactical expertise to guide the championship quest.
Which players did the Punjab franchise retain?
PBKS retained 21 players including Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Yuzvendra Chahal, and other core performers from their breakthrough campaign.
What is Punjab Kings squad 2026?
The Punjab cricket team features 25 players with 17 Indians and 8 overseas cricketers, maintaining excellent balance and championship depth.
Who are PBKS released players 2026?
Major releases include Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, and Pravin Dubey to create auction budget and squad optimization.
What is Punjab Kings jersey color?
The Punjab cricket team wears red and silver colored jerseys with gold accents, representing the franchise’s royal identity and Punjabi heritage.
When does IPL 2026 season begin?
The Indian Premier League 2026 starts on March 26, with PBKS aiming to complete their championship journey after 2025’s near-miss.
Why did PBKS buy Cooper Connolly for ₹3 crores?
Punjab valued Connolly’s all-round capabilities, left-arm spin option, and power-hitting skills as the perfect replacement for Glenn Maxwell’s role.
Who is PBKS wicket-keeper for 2026?
The franchise primarily relies on Prabhsimran Singh as their main wicket-keeper, with Vishnu Vinod providing backup options.
What makes Punjab Kings competitive?
PBKS success stems from exceptional squad balance, proven leadership, championship experience from 2025, strategic continuity, and ability to perform in pressure situations.
