5 players Punjab Kings might target at IPL 2026 auction

Punjab Kings (PBKS) finished as the runners-up in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the team performed consistently, with contributions from Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Arshdeep Singh helping them reach the final stage. However, the side faced challenges in their middle-order batting and bowling during the middle overs.

In this article, CricTracker analyses deeply into five players that the PBKS could target

ahead of the auction to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026 season of the cash-rich tournament, as the 2025 runners-up wish to go one step further.

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Here are 5 players Punjab Kings might target at IPL 2026 auction

Matthew Short (Australia)

Australian top-order batter Matthew Short could be a key addition for PBKS in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. In T20Is, Short has played 16 innings for Australia, scoring 331 runs. He has also contributed valuable runs in leagues such as The Hundred, Big Bash League, and Major League Cricket.

Short was part of the PBKS setup during the 2023 season, playing six games and scoring 117 runs. With his growing experience across international leagues, Short can provide stability at the top of the order, an area PBKS has often aimed to strengthen.

Cameron Green (Australia)

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green could be another strong addition for PBKS. Green has played 20 T20I innings for Australia, scoring 521 runs. In IPL 2023, he represented Mumbai Indians (MI), scoring 452 runs and picking up six wickets. In IPL 2024, he played for RCB, aggregating 255 runs while also scalping 10 wickets. 

As a regular for Australia across formats, Green’s all-round abilities would provide PBKS with balance, strengthening both batting and bowling departments. With Glenn Maxwell likely to be released before moving to the auction table, Green can act as a perfect replacement for the New Chandigarh and Dharamsala-based franchise.

Sarfaraz Khan (India)

Indian middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan could be another smart pick for PBKS. He has played eight IPL seasons across three franchises, scoring 585 runs in 37 innings. While his aggregate numbers may appear modest, Sarfaraz has demonstrated a strong strike rate, particularly in crucial death-over situations.

Having previously represented PBKS, he is familiar with the team culture and could integrate seamlessly, providing experience and finishing power in the middle order. Moreover, his younger brother and all-rounder Musheer Khan will also be a part of the PBKS set-up, providing him a homely feeling when he dons their jersey.

Ben Duckett (England)

England opener Ben Duckett could be a unique and valuable addition to PBKS. He has scored 527 runs in 20 innings in international cricket and has been a regular for England in ODIs and Tests. Although he has played in various global leagues, Duckett has yet to feature in the IPL. The left-handed batter can anchor the innings, guide younger players, and provide aggression at the top, making him a strong candidate for PBKS’s opening slot.

Tanush Kotian (India)

The right-arm spinner Tanush Kotian is another player PBKS could target. Emerging strongly in the domestic circuit, Kotian has recently contributed with both bat and ball for India A. He can provide crucial overs in the middle overs alongside Yuzvendra Chahal and trouble opposition batters. Additionally, his ability to score runs in the death overs makes him a potential finisher, adding depth to the PBKS squad.