PBKS target players will be central to Punjab Kings’ plans as they enter the IPL 2026 auction with a stable core but several role-specific gaps. With a strong Indian spine and powerful all-round options, PBKS’ challenge is to find the right balance in the middle order, secure spin variety, and add pace depth.
Here is the complete PBKS auction strategy, squad structure and who will PBKS buy to build a more complete and versatile squad for IPL 2026.
How PBKS Squad 2026 Looks Right Now
| Position | First-choice XI | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Opener | Priyansh Arya | Harnoor Pannu |
| Wicketkeeper-opener | Prabhsimran Singh | Vishnu Vinod |
| No.3 | Shreyas Iyer | Musheer Khan |
| No.4 | Nehal Wadhera | Suryansh Shedge |
| No.5 / All-rounder | Marcus Stoinis ✈️ | Azmatullah Omarzai ✈️ |
| No.6 / Finisher | Shashank Singh | Pyla Avinash |
| All-rounder / Bowler | Marco Jansen ✈️ | Mitch Owen ✈️ (auction target) |
| Spin | Yuzvendra Chahal | Harpreet Brar |
| Overseas Pace | Lockie Ferguson ✈️ | Xavier Bartlett ✈️ |
| Indian Pace | Yash Thakur | Vyshak Vijaykumar |
| Impact | Arshdeep Singh | Domestic spin/power-hitting option (auction) |
Strongest areas
- Experienced middle order with Iyer, Wadhera and Shashank
- High-quality overseas seamers
- Strong Indian bowling core with Arshdeep, Yash Thakur and Vyshak
- Multiple seam-bowling all-rounders across Stoinis, Jansen and Omarzai
Key weaknesses from sheet analysis
- Lack of a No.3 or No.4 controller who can stabilise the innings
- Missing a Maxwell-type spin all-rounder
- Need for an additional left-arm spinner or SLA option
- Insufficient death-bowling backups behind Lockie
- No specialist backup wicketkeeper ready for top 3 roles
Resulting Needs
- Middle-order controller (domestic or overseas)
- Spin-bowling all-rounder
- Left-arm spin depth
- Overseas pace insurance
- Backup wicketkeeper
PBKS Auction Strategy 2026: Key Profile Requirements
- A reliable top-order controller at No.3 or No.4
- A spin-bowling all-rounder to replicate Maxwell’s role
- A young domestic wrist-spinner for the future
- One overseas death-bowling option
- Backup keeper with run-making ability in top 3
These define the PBKS target players 2026 shortlist for the auction and complements their retained players.
ALSO READ: Full RCB Target Players List
Top PBKS Target Players 2026
Category A: High-Priority Targets
| Player | Role Fit | Why PBKS Need Him |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper Connolly ✈️ | Middle-order controller + SLA | Adds stability, spin overs, long-term upside |
| Rachin Ravindra ✈️ | No.3/4 anchor + spin option | Perfect controller; ideal replacement for Maxwell’s balance |
| Mahipal Lomror | LHB spin-hitter | Backup and competition for Wadhera |
| Nikhil Chaudhary | Spin-bowling all-rounder | Maxwell replacement; domestic-eligible value |
| Vignesh Puthur | Wrist-spinner | Young spin asset PBKS currently lack |
These are the central pieces of the PBKS auction strategy.
Category B: Medium-Priority Targets
| Player | Role Fit | Why Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Kumar Kartikeya | SLA spinner | Adds depth behind Chahal and Harpreet Brar |
| Shai Hope ✈️ | No.3/4 stabiliser + WK backup | High-level control in middle overs |
| Anmolpreet Singh | Domestic top 3 batter | In form, reliable bench strength |
These options round out the core but are price-sensitive.
Category C: Low-Priority Budget Targets
| Player | Fit |
|---|---|
| Richard Gleeson ✈️ | Backup death bowler for Lockie |
| Harvik Desai | Reserve wicketkeeper |
| Kamlesh Nagarkoti | Indian pacer with batting depth |
Low-risk additions to fill final squad spots if needed.
PBKS Remaining Purse Plan
| Priority Role | Expected Budget Allocation | Target Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Middle-order controller | ₹4–7 Cr | Ravindra / Hope / Connolly |
| Spin all-rounder | ₹3–5 Cr | Nikhil Chaudhary / Lomror |
| Wrist-spin depth | ₹1–2 Cr | Vignesh Puthur |
| Death-overs pace backup | ₹1–2 Cr | Gleeson |
| Keeper depth | ₹0.5–1 Cr | Desai / Anmolpreet |
The PBKS plan focuses on role clarity, not wholesale changes.
Who Will PBKS Buy? Most Realistic Predictions
Based on purse value, role needs and priority grading:
- Rachin Ravindra
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Mahipal Lomror
- Vignesh Puthur
This combination fixes:
- Middle-order stability
- Spin-allrounder deficiency
- Left-hand balance
- Long-term spin succession planning
PBKS target players 2026 reflect a strategic approach built on reinforcing proven strengths while filling the missing roles in middle order, spin versatility and death-overs pace. With a stable squad and clear auction priorities, the PBKS auction strategy is designed to deliver balance, depth and tactical flexibility.
If Punjab Kings execute this plan, they will enter IPL 2026 with a deeper and far more complete squad than last season, giving them a strong platform to compete again at the top level.
