Punjab Kings (PBKS) had a memorable campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, as they made it to the final for the first time since 2014. However, legendary Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who brought a wealth of experience and a bankable option with his name, failed to live up to his potential in the season.
PBKS roped in Maxwell at the IPL 2025 mega-auction in Saudi Arabia for INR 4.2 crores. He had a familiar setup at the Punjab-based franchise, with Australian icon Ricky Ponting
serving as the head coach and other compatriots like Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, and Xavier Bartlett in the squad. Maxwell also had prior experience playing for the franchise between 2014 and 2017 and another season in 2020.
However, Maxwell could only manage 48 runs in seven matches at an average of 8.00 and a strike rate of 97.96. With the ball, he fared comparatively better, picking up four wickets at an average of 27.50. The 36-year-old sustained a broken finger midway through the campaign and was subsequently replaced by fellow Australian teammate and all-rounder, Mitchell Owen.
Here are 3 potential replacements PBKS must look at over Glenn Maxwell
3. Matthew Short (Australia)
Matthew Short has previously played for the Punjab Kings during the IPL 2023 season as a replacement for the injured Jonny Bairstow. He played six matches but failed to make much of an impact. Last year, the right-handed batter went unsold in the IPL mega-auction. Short has done well in franchise leagues around the world. He has also been a regular feature in Australia's T20I squad in recent months.
The top-order batter's all-round abilities as a part-time off-spinner could make him an ideal replacement for Maxwell. He is a destructive batter, but also adapts his game to different match situations. The 29-year-old can bat at the top of the order and also slot into the finisher's role. His versatility will come in handy for Punjab. He has also played for the franchise in the past, and that could help him settle down quickly.
2. Michael Bracewell (New Zealand)
Michael Bracewell can be a useful addition to the Punjab Kings' setup. He might not be as dangerous a batter as Maxwell, but he can still score at a fair clip. The New Zealand all-rounder can also chip in with overs inside the powerplay and also through the middle overs.
He played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2023. The 34-year-old recently led the Kiwis in the three-match T20I series against Australia at home. Bracewell could play an important role for Punjab Kings in the role of a finisher.
1. Cameron Green (Australia)
Cameron Green is expected to attract one of the biggest bids in the IPL 2026 mini auction. After missing last year's IPL due to a back injury, Green will be raring to go in the impending season. Green has also resumed bowling, and his all-round capabilities will come in handy for the Punjab Kings.
The 26-year-old has decent experience playing in the IPL, having represented the Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings in the past. In 29 IPL games, Green has scored 707 runs at an average of 41.59 and a strike rate of 153.70. With the ball, he has picked up 16 wickets at an economy rate of 9.08.
