Punjab Kings (PBKS) went into the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a budget of INR 11.50 crore. They had almost all bases covered and picked up just four players at the event held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16.
Punjab made it to the final last year under Shreyas Iyer's leadership. This time, they have roped in Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Praveen Dubey, and Vishal Nishad to bolster their side. In this article, let's take a look at how Punjab Kings could line up in IPL 2026.
PBKS predicted playing 11 for IPL 2026 after auction
Top-Order: Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya forged a destructive partnership in IPL 2025. The blistering starts they provided at the top of the order played a key role in helping Punjab reach the finals. The right-hand opener finished with 549 runs from 17 innings at an average of 32.29 and a strike rate of 160.53. Meanwhile, Priyansh smashed 475 runs from 17 innings, averaging 27.94 at a strike rate of 179.25.
Captain Shreyas Iyer led his team from the front. He was the top-scorer for Punjab Kings, amassing 604 runs in 17 innings at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07.
Middle-Order: Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh
Nehal Wadhera had shown glimpses of his talent during his stay at Mumbai Indians. However, at Punjab Kings, he got to bat in a fixed position, helping him go about his work with clarity. In 16 matches, he scored 369 runs at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of 145.85.
Shashank Singh has been the epitome of consistency since he joined the Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2024. In the last two seasons, he has been a reliable finisher for the franchise. He has been equally adept at hitting pacers as well as spinners.
All-Rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Marco Jansen
Marcus Stoinis batted mostly in the top and middle order for his former franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. However, at Punjab Kings, he played the finishers' role and did a decent job. In 13 matches, he scored 160 runs, remaining not out five times and averaged 26.67 at a strike rate of 186.05. The Australian all-rounder, however, wasn't very effective with the ball, picking up a solitary wicket at an economy rate of 12.35.
Mitchell Owen is a member of the current Australian team. He replaced an injured Glenn Maxwell mid-season during IPL 2025. The 24-year-old has a T20I strike rate of 158.26 after playing 13 matches. He also has two wickets from four innings with the ball.
Marco Jansen has not lived up to his potential yet in the IPL. However, 2026 could be the year when he takes the cash-rich league by storm and cements his position as one of the best all-rounders in the circuit. His performances across formats against India will give him a lot of confidence.
Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh
Lockie Ferguson couldn't play a huge part in IPL 2025 as he was injured early in the tournament and subsequently ruled out. However, he had a decent start to the campaign, bagging five wickets in four matches at an average of 20.8. The Kiwi pacer could have a significant role to play in the impending season.
Vijaykumar Vyshak will be a bowler to look out for. He can be expensive on some days as he mostly bowls in the death overs. However, he has a match-winning ability, thanks to his repertoire of slower deliveries and yorkers.
Arshdeep Singh needs no introduction, especially in the shortest format. India's leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket will look to spearhead the franchise's bowling attacks once again. He has been in solid form, playing for India in T20Is.
PBKS Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2026:
Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh.
Impact Player: Yuzvendra Chahal
