The Punjab Kings are on a nightmare losing streak and their playoff chances are dependent on the results of the other teams. Seldom have we seen a side stay at the top of the table in the first half and then slip down the table, with their playoff spot still under question. Shreyas Iyer and his men will have plenty to reflect on as their form has dipped in the latter half of the season. Ricky Ponting looked visibly distraught in the dugout after the loss against the defending champions on Sunday. With the Punjab Kings nearing elimination, they will be ready to take on some heavy decisions to rebuild their squad for the next season:
Punjab Kings have now suffered six consecutive defeats after a strong start to the season 📉#RCBvsPBKS #IPL2026
pic.twitter.com/383iQH2S4M
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 17, 2026
5)Yuzvendra Chahal
The IPL legend Yuzvendra Chahal could probably be released in the next season with the Mega Auction set to take place. Chahal has triumphed in the IPL as a strike bowler who bowls four overs consistently and a pure wicket-taker in the middle overs. This season he hasn’t often completed his four overs quota and in certain games he wasn’t even given an over. Chahal has been quite expensive and his average is currently at 36. PBKS will be looking beyond Yuzvendra Chahal in the IPL 2027 season.
4)Vyshak Vijaykumar
Vyshak Vijaykumar has been a fine bowler in the IPL and his primary strength has been his slower deliveries and his variations. Despite his strong skillsets in slow pitches and favourable conditions, his strength beyond that has been questionable. His economy has been over 10 in the season and there could be no reason why PBKS will back him for another season.
3)Nehal Wadhera
Nehal Wadhera has been a promising young talent in the IPL but he hasn’t really performed for the Punjab Kings in this edition. Wadhera averages a touch above 10 and his highest score has been 25. He has been given the role of a finisher in the side to give the Kings some explosive finishes but he hasn’t lived up to the expectations. Nehal Wadhera could switch teams for the next season and it will be interesting to see which team will give the youngster a chance.
2)Marco Jansen
The South African has been part of the squad for a couple of years now but there couldn’t be much chances that the Punjab Kings would retain him. Jansen has picked up just 7 wickets from the 11 innings that he has played and he averages above 64. The most important skill for a bowler in this format is the wicket-taking ability and he is clearly lacking. Marco Jansen will most probably be warming the bench in the next season of the IPL unless he proves himself in the international stage.
1)Marcus Stoinis
The Australian all-rounder has been a powerhouse batter for the Punjab Kings in the IPL but the chances of him being retained will be less. He has scored 216 runs from 9 innings, including a half-century but his ability to contribute in high stakes matches has been under question. Stoinis is included in the side as an all-rounder and he hasn’t been able to contribute with the ball as he has picked just 2 wickets and his economy is above 12. Another team could bag Marcus Stoinis in the IPL 2027 and they will be looking forward to utilizing him.
