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Purse of ₹11.50: Released players PBKS might target to strengthen their squad for IPL 2026

Sakshi Sharma

Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)

Punjab Kings (PBKS), the runners-up of IPL 2025, will enter the the IPL 2026 auction with a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Despite a strong campaign under Shreyas Iyer, they fell short in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). 

Their top order, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Iyer, was consistent throughout the season, while Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal excelled with the ball in IPL 2025.

Ahead of the mini-auction next month, PBKS have released five players, including big overseas names Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis. The team now has a remaining purse of ₹11.50 crore and four slots to fill, including two for overseas players. With a solid Indian core already in place, in this article, let's take a look at three released players PBKS can target in IPL 2026 mini-auction.

David Miller 

Batting Position
Inns
Runs
S/R
No. 5452106.12
No. 66101142.25

(David Miller's stats at No.5 & No.6 in IPL)

  • Punjab’s slight concern last season was their middle-order hitting. With Maxwell and Inglis both released, PBKS lack a dependable overseas power-hitter. This is where David Miller, released by LSG, becomes a top target.
  • Miller has a phenomenal IPL record with 3,077 runs in 141 matches, an average of 35.37, and a strike rate of 138.60. His experience and finishing ability make him the perfect overseas replacement for Maxwell. Miller can also anchor chases when early wickets fall, something PBKS will want in the upcoming season.

Ravi Bishnoi

  • PBKS already have Yuzvendra Chahal, but they will want to require another attacking spinner to support Chahal in IPL 2026. PBKS can get young, consistent Ravi Bishnoi. The star spinner began his IPL journey with Punjab, and bringing him back would solidify their spin department. In 77 IPL matches, he has scalped 72 wickets at an economy rate of 8.21.
  • For PBKS, pairing Bishnoi with Chahal would create one of the strongest spin duos in the league. Bishnoi's ability to dismiss set batters and control middle overs will undoubtedly make him a priority Indian pick in the upcoming mini-auction.

Liam Livingstone

Batting Position
Innings
Runs
S/R
No. 42457.14
No. 56108140.26

(Liam Livingstone's batting record at No.4 and 5 for RCB in IPL 2025)

  • After letting go of Maxwell, Punjab need a dynamic all-rounder who offers explosive batting and part-time spin. Liam Livingstone, who previously played for PBKS from 2022–2024, is a natural replacement that PBKS can look for.
  • Maxwell struggled in IPL 2025, scoring only 48 runs in six innings, while Inglis provided occasional bursts but lacked consistency. Livingstone, on the other hand, can provide fearless six-hitting ability and match-winning knocks in the lower middle order. With PBKS having ₹11.5 crore and two overseas slots, they can target Livingstone as a replacement for Glenn Maxwell in the upcoming season. 

Conclusion

Punjab Kings will have a clear strategy going into the IPL 2026 auction. They possess a well-performing Indian core but will want to upgrade in the middle-order batting and spin department to repeat their IPL 2025 performance.