Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 were the team with the most player transfers and excitement from the 2025 Mega Player Auction. The key point is that they are expected to finish as the runners-up in IPL 2025 under Shreyas Iyer.
The Punjab Kings will be happy to keep their squad and the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, as they are eager to win their first Indian Premier League title.
However, some changes will happen. Some of their players may be let go before the new season, while local talents will be kept in mind for the future. Check here for details on how the Punjab Kings will manage their player roster with a retention strategy.
PBKS Squad In IPL 2025
Shreyas Iyer was signed for a large amount in the 2025 player auctions, and they later made him the captain. The team also includes experienced players and T20 stars like Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, and Marco Jansen.
Here is the squad of PBKS in IPL 2025.
Squad
Shreyas Iyer(C), Nehal Wadhera, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis, Harnoor Pannu, Pyla Avinash, Prabhsimran Singh, Shahank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Aaron Hardie, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Mitch Owen
The PBKS management was transparent about building a well-balanced squad that was capable of winning the title. They also made sure that local talents were getting the opportunity.
PBKS Player Retentions 2026
Punjab Kings will try to keep a core group of players from their previous squad. Shreyas Iyer’s team will be eager to change their IPL 2025 final entry into the IPL 2026 championship title.
Batters & WKs: Shreyas Iyer (C), Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh
All-rounders: Priyansh Arya, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Suryansh Shedge
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak
| Player | Reason for Retention |
|---|---|
| Shreya Iyer | Leadership as captain and dependable middle-order batter |
| Josh Inglis | Overseas wicketkeeper with strong finishing abilities |
| Prabhsimran Singh | Explosive Indian top-order batter with wicketkeeping option |
| Nehal Wadera | Promising domestic talent known for aggressive batting |
| Shashank Singh | Flexible middle-order batter with clutch performances |
| Priyansh Arya | Emerging Indian all-rounder with long-term potential |
| Harpreet Brar | Spin-bowling all-rounder offering control and batting depth |
| Marco Jansen | Overseas pace-bowling all-rounder with height and bounce |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Afghan utility player contributing with both bat and ball |
| Suryansh Shedge | Versatile Indian all-rounder strengthening the squad depth |
| Arshedeep Singh | Lead Indian pacer, effective in powerplay and death overs |
| Vijaykumar Vyshak | Young Indian quick, useful as rotational pace option |
PBKS Expected Player Releases For IPL 2026
As the Punjab Kings get ready for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the franchise will have to make some tough decisions. They will let go of players who do not fit into their future plans.
The aim is to free up the budget, refresh the team, and build a more dependable core for the upcoming season.
Here are the likely cuts and the reasons for them:
- Glenn Maxwell (All-rounder): Released due to injuries and poor performance — managed only 48 runs in IPL 2025.
- Marcus Stoinis (All-rounder): Let go because of his high price tag and lack of consistency in finishing games.
- Lockie Ferguson (Fast Bowler): Struggled with frequent injuries and was unable to contribute regularly.
- Yuzvendra Chahal (Spinner): Released owing to inconsistent form and a high salary that didn’t reflect his recent impact.
- Aaron Hardie (All-rounder): Had limited opportunities and couldn’t establish himself in the XI.
- Xavier Bartlett (Fast Bowler): Underused throughout the season; released as part of an overseas reshuffle.
- Kyle Jamieson (Fast Bowler): Injury concerns continued to affect his availability.
- Pyla Avinash (Batter): Developmental player released to make room for stronger domestic options.
- Pravin Dubey (Spinner): Released as part of a spin department overhaul; played few or no games.
- Harnoor Singh (Batter): Let go to maintain better squad balance and batting depth.
PBKS’s Expected Strategy For IPL 2026 Auction
Punjab Kings are likely to take a more thoughtful and value-based approach in the IPL 2026 auction. With a strong domestic group and several overseas players leaving, the franchise will aim to fill important gaps without spending excessively.
- Their goal will be to build squad depth, find dependable Indian talent, and make smarter choices for overseas players while keeping team balance and long-term stability in mind.
- They should release high-cost, underperforming overseas players to free up budget and foreign slots.
- They need to retain a promising domestic group and key players like Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, and Harpreet Brar.
- They should target consistent Indian middle-order batters and spinners to stabilize the lineup.
- They must strengthen the fast-bowling unit by adding Indian pacers and backup options.
- They should focus on all-rounders who offer balance and flexibility in different conditions.
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Conclusion: Smart Retention Will Give PBKS A Strong Foundation In 2026!
Punjab Kings have made solid progress over the past season and will look to build on their IPL 2025 runner-up finish. With Shreyas Iyer at the helm, they have a strong leader and a good mix of Indian and overseas talent to work with.
By retaining a promising core and releasing high-cost, underperforming players, PBKS has created the right balance of stability and flexibility. This gives them room to make smart buys in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
If they get their auction strategy right and stay injury-free, Punjab Kings could finally push for their first IPL title next season.
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