PBKS' IPL auction 2026 plan: Top targets and predicted buys

Shreyas Iyer led PBKS to the final of IPL 2025 [Source: IPL/X.com]

Ahead of the auction, the 2025 Indian Premier League runner-ups, the Punjab Kings, are a very complete team, looking to only fill a couple of gaps in their existing squad after releasing a couple of high-profile Australian stars. Their playing XI picks themselves, and their primary target will be to add quality in their depth to have their hands on the trophy, which has eluded them since 2025.

Here's a breakdown of what the PBKS existing squad has and what the key areas for them to address in the auction room are.

PBKS retention list for IPL 2026

Role distribution of PBKS' retained players

• Top-order batters: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Vishnu Vinod (wk), Harnoor Singh.
• Middle order: Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge.
• Lower middle order: Pyla Avinash, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Stoinis.
• Fast bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vijaykumar Vyshak.
• Spinners: Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar.

PBKS IPL 2026 auction budget and overseas slots

The Kings have only two overseas slots left to be filled in the upcoming auction, while having a budget of Rs. 11.50 crore INR at their disposal.

PBKS IPL 2026 squad: What are the gaps to fill?

How PBKS' expected XI looks like

Priyansh Arya

Prabhsimran Singh (wk)

Shreyas Iyer

Mithcell Owen

Nehal Wadhera

Shashank Singh

Marcus Stoinis

Marco Jansen

Harpreet Brar

Lockie Ferguson

Arshdeep Singh

Yuzvendra Chahal

The Punjab Kings is a very settled unit, close to all bases well covered, with the Indian trio of Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer slotted at the top of the order. The young openers will kick-start the proceedings for them, going all guns blazing, while captain Iyer's presence at 3 would give them stability, given his ability to bat across phases of the match.

Their middle order will miss the services of Josh Inglis, who was released into the auction due to personal reasons and might not be brouhgt back. He is likely to be replaced by Mitchell Owen, followed by Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis to complete the power-packed middle order.

South Africa's star performer in their India tour, Marco Jansen, will partner Arshdeep Singh in the pace attack alongside Lockie Ferguson, who was stellar in the first half of the 2025 season, before he was ruled out due to an injury. Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar will be the spin bowling options in their playing 12, which includes the impact player.

They also have quality options like Azmatullah Omarzai, Yash Thakur, Suryansh Shedge and Xavier Bartlett, who can chip in whenever the team needs them.

Areas to address for PBKS in IPL mini auction

Powerful overseas batter

• After releasing the Aussie wicketkeeper Inglis, the PBKS would ideally like to target a batter who can change the momentum of the match, with quick-fire cameos, as Inglis did in 2025.
• An adaptable batter, who can bat across the top-4, according to the situation, would be the ideal replacement for Inglis.

Backup spin bowling option

• Following the release of Glenn Maxwell, the Punjab unit has enough batting depth and an explosive number 5/6 option in Mitchell Owen. However, the 2025 finalists have depleted their spin-bowling depth, with only Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar as the primary options.
• Although Musheer can be a player who can chip in with overs, they would like an established name in the roster to fill Maxwell's gap.

Backup overseas pacer (optional)

• While PBKS have the Indian bowlers like Thakur and Vyshak, who can start the matches if they are required, the injury-prone Lockie Ferguson would need an overseas backup, who can bowl in the middle and death overs.
• Xavier Bartlett is in the squad to fill in that role; however, an extra option will only help them in the pursuit of their first IPL title.

PBKS IPL 2026 auction prime targets: Who are the Kings likely to go after?

Johnny Bairstow

• The former PBKS wicketkeeper batter can be a very good Josh Inglis replacement, who will cover both wicketkeeping and top-4 requirements.
• He can break the momentum of the game and put his team in front with his powerful hitting, and can also give Iyer an option to bat at 4, as Inglis did in 2025.
• At this stage of his career, he can be used as both a starter or backup.

Prashant Veer

• The exciting young prospect from UP is likely to have multiple teams interested in him, and he will fit the bill exactly at number 5/6 for PBKS, while also bowling left-arm orthodox.
• At a developmental stage of his career, he can be someone who can serve PBKS for a long time and fit perfectly in their young team.

Matt Henry

• The Kiwi pacer can be a solid option to have as a backup to his national teammate Ferguson. While he would be a better option with the new ball, left-arm pacer Jansen can take up the role as the third pacer when Henry potentially starts.
• In the last couple of seasons, Henry has proven to be a very effective option across formats, and his experience will also come in handy to groom a rather young bowling attack.

Other potential targets for PBKS

Liam Livingstone (could be expensive but a good Maxwell replacement), Akeal Hosein, Anrich Nortje.

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