The PBKS IPL 2026 squad enters the new season with unfinished business after finishing runners-up last year. Punjab Kings retained their Indian core and added targeted reinforcements at the IPL 2026 auction, strengthening an already balanced unit without disrupting stability.
The Punjab Kings IPL 2026 squad blends explosive top-order batting, multiple pace options, and one of the most versatile all-rounder pools in the league. Among IPL 2026 squad list, PBKS stand out for squad depth and batting firepower. Punjab Kings full squad after IPL 2026 auction with Shreyas Iyer as captain promises to push for the title again.
Full PBKS IPL 2026 Players List
Here is the complete PBKS team list IPL 2026 after the auction:
PBKS Indian Players
- Shreyas Iyer
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Priyansh Arya
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Musheer Khan
- Suryansh Shedge
- Arshdeep Singh
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Yash Thakur
- Harpreet Brar
- Vishnu Vinod
- Pyla Avinash
- Harnoor Pannu
- Pravin Dube
- Vishal Nishad
PBKS Overseas Players
- Marcus Stoinis ✈️
- Marco Jansen ✈️
- Azmatullah Omarzai ✈️
- Lockie Ferguson ✈️
- Xavier Bartlett ✈️
- Mitch Owen ✈️
- Cooper Connolly ✈️
- Ben Dwarshuis ✈️
The PBKS squad IPL 2026 continues to emphasize batting depth and pace variety while adding a young spin-all-rounder in Connolly. Punjab Kings (PBKS) IPL 2026 squad after auction places emphasis on all-round options in the squad.
PBKS Retained Players IPL 2026
The PBKS IPL 2026 squad was built around 21 retained players, with Shreyas Iyer continuing as captain.
Key retained names include:
- Shreyas Iyer – INR 26.75 crore
- Arshdeep Singh – INR 18 crore
- Yuzvendra Chahal – INR 18 crore
- Marcus Stoinis – INR 11 crore
- Marco Jansen – INR 7 crore
Shreyas Iyer PBKS captain IPL 2026 remains central to their structure. Retaining Arshdeep and Chahal ensures continuity in both pace and spin departments.
PBKS Bought Players IPL 2026
Punjab Kings entered the IPL auction 2026 with INR 11.5 crore and four slots to fill.
Major buys:
- Cooper Connolly – INR 3 crore
- Ben Dwarshuis – INR 4.40 crore
- Pravin Dube – INR 30 lakh
- Vishal Nishad – INR 30 lakh
The signing of Cooper Connolly to PBKS IPL 2026 squad adds a spin-all-round option following the release of Glenn Maxwell. Dwarshuis strengthens left-arm pace depth and provides backup in case of injury concerns within the fast-bowling unit.
This approach strengthened the PBKS squad after auction 2026 without major financial risk.
PBKS Bought Players 2026
Punjab Kings team list after IPL 2026 auction has strengthened with the major signing of two Aussies. Here’s the full list of PBKS bought players 2026:
| Player | Price (INR) |
| Cooper Connolly | 3 crore |
| Ben Dwarshuis | 4.40 crore |
| Pravin Dube | 30 lakhs |
| Vishal Nishad | 30 lakhs |
Punjab Kings Strongest Playing XI IPL 2026
Based on balance and role clarity, here is the probable Punjab Kings strongest playing XI IPL 2026:
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Cooper Connolly ✈️
- Marcus Stoinis ✈️
- Shashank Singh
- Marco Jansen ✈️
- Lockie Ferguson ✈️
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Impact player: Vijaykumar Vyshak/Yash Thakur
Key tactical notes:
- Arya and Prabhsimran form an explosive opening pair.
- Iyer anchors the middle overs.
- PBKS all-rounders IPL 2026 provide flexibility across batting positions.
- Arshdeep and Ferguson handle powerplay and death overs.
- Chahal leads the spin unit.
The PBKS IPL 2026 squad offers overseas flexibility depending on conditions. Punjab Kings strongest playing XI IPL 2026 has plenty of all-rounders even without the impact player option.
PBKS Squad Analysis IPL 2026
The PBKS IPL 2026 squad appears one of the most balanced units heading into the season, particularly in batting depth and pace resources. After finishing runners-up last year, Punjab Kings have opted for continuity with minor tactical additions rather than structural overhaul.
Strengths of PBKS IPL 2026 Squad
1. Explosive Top Order
The Punjab Kings top order IPL 2026 remains aggressive and fearless, with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh capable of dominating the powerplay. Both batters play high-risk, high-reward cricket, allowing PBKS to consistently start at above-par run rates and put opposition bowlers under immediate pressure.
2. All-Round Depth
PBKS all-rounders IPL 2026 include Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Cooper Connolly, giving the side rare tactical flexibility. They can bat deep without compromising bowling options, allowing Punjab to adapt to different pitch conditions and opposition matchups with minimal reshuffling.
3. Pace Variety
The PBKS pace attack IPL 2026 features Arshdeep Singh’s death overs skill, Lockie Ferguson’s raw pace, Jansen’s bounce, and Dwarshuis’ left-arm angle. This variety across speed and seam angles makes Punjab’s bowling unit adaptable across venues, especially in high-scoring conditions.
4. Batting Depth Till No.8
The batting lineup stretches to No.8 with Jansen, Stoinis, and Shashank Singh capable of finishing games. This depth reduces the burden on Shreyas Iyer and allows PBKS to maintain attacking intent throughout the innings instead of consolidating after early wickets.
Weaknesses of PBKS IPL 2026 Squad
1. Wicketkeeper Depth
PBKS wicketkeeper issue IPL 2026 remains unresolved after releasing Josh Inglis. Prabhsimran Singh is the only established option, with Vishnu Vinod as backup, leaving limited flexibility if injuries or form issues arise during the season.
2. Spin Depth
Beyond Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar, the spin department lacks proven IPL performers. While Connolly and Pravin Dube offer support, their impact at this level remains uncertain, particularly on slower surfaces where spin control becomes critical.
3. Overseas Balance Decisions
Choosing between Stoinis, Omarzai, Connolly, Ferguson, and Dwarshuis could complicate combinations. Overseas slot decisions may force PBKS to compromise either batting depth or bowling strength depending on match conditions.
Can Punjab Kings Win IPL 2026?
The PBKS IPL 2026 squad has the firepower and depth to challenge for the title. With Shreyas Iyer leading a stable core and multiple all-round options, Punjab Kings team 2026 looks structurally strong.
However, their success could depend on spin reliability and solving the wicketkeeping depth issue early in the season. If their pace attack delivers consistently, PBKS could once again be strong contenders for IPL 2026.
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