Punjab Kings once again arrive at an IPL season with optimism, intent and a carefully shaped core. The Tata IPL Auction 2026, a mini-auction held in Abu
Dhabi on December 16, 2025, gives PBKS a final opportunity to fine-tune a squad that already looks far more settled than in previous years.
With just a handful of slots left to fill, Punjab Kings are no longer in rebuild mode - this is about balance, backups and match-winning depth.
The mini-auction itself carries plenty of intrigue. Ten franchises are battling for 77 available slots, including 31 overseas positions, with teams like KKR entering the room with massive spending power. Punjab Kings, however, have taken a different route. Instead of chasing headline-grabbing signings, PBKS have prioritised stability, leadership and role clarity, trusting a strong Indian core supported by proven overseas all-rounders.
At the heart of this setup is Shreyas Iyer, who continues as captain and batting anchor. With players like Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera providing Indian batting depth, and a bowling attack led by Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, PBKS look far more rounded heading into IPL 2026. The auction is now about plugging small gaps rather than rewriting the blueprint.
PBKS Retained Players List (IPL 2026)
Batsmen / All-rounders:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Priyansh Arya, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis (Australia), Mitchell Owen (Australia)
Bowlers:
Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan), Marco Jansen (South Africa), Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand), Xavier Bartlett (Australia), Yash Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar
Wicketkeepers:
Vishnu Vinod
Other Players:
Harnoor Pannu, Pyla Avinash
PBKS IPL 2026 Purse Details
Punjab Kings enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a remaining purse of ₹11.50 crore. With most of their first-choice XI already in place, PBKS have the luxury of being selective rather than desperate at the auction table.
- Remaining Purse: ₹11.50 crore
- Slots to Fill: 4
- Overseas Slots Available: 2
PBKS Auction Strategy: What the Franchise Is Targeting
Punjab Kings' auction focus is clear and targeted. With Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis released due to availability concerns, PBKS are in the market for reinforcements rather than replacements.
- Middle-order batter capable of handling pressure situations
- Backup wicketkeeper to support Vishnu Vinod
- Indian bowling depth, especially seam options
Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Buys with Price
To be updated
PBKS IPL 2026 Full Squad (Updated)
Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Priyansh Arya, Musheer Khan,
Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar,
Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar,
Vishnu Vinod, Harnoor Pannu, Pyla Avinash
(Plus auction additions - to be updated)
