 "PBKS IPL Auction 2026: Punjab Kings full squad, major gaps, top targets and remaining purse")
Punjab Kings (PBKS) head into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction with a mostly settled squad and limited financial flexibility. With just Rs 11.50 crore left from their Rs 125 crore purse and four remaining slots—two for overseas players—the franchise is unlikely to pursue headline-grabbing signings. Their strategy will instead focus on precise, targeted acquisitions to plug key gaps and preserve balance in the playing XI.
IPL Auction 2026: PBKS’ retained players
Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Singh Pannu, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen, Musheer Khan, Nehal Wadhera, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal
IPL Auction 2026: PBKS squad analysis and major gaps
Last season’s runners-up, Punjab Kings, enter the IPL 2026 auction with a largely settled squad. They primarily need to plug a few gaps following the release of Josh Inglis, who will be available in the upcoming season only partially, along with an overseas all-rounder to replace Glenn Maxwell.
A backup overseas fast bowler could also be considered to strengthen pace depth. Beyond these gaps, the playing XI is largely set, providing the advantage of continuity. With just Rs 11.50 crore remaining in their purse, the franchise’s spending power is limited, pointing to a focus on targeted, strategic acquisitions rather than headline-grabbing signings. Expect a relatively quiet auction from PBKS.
PBKS’ remaining purse: Rs 11.50 crore
IPL 2026 Auction: PBKS’ top targets
Finn Allen: Listed as a wicketkeeper-batter, the New Zealand top-order batter could serve as a like-for-like replacement for Josh Inglis. A natural power-hitter, Allen fits perfectly into PBKS’ aggressive batting approach showcased last season. With limited overall requirements from the auction, the franchise may afford to be more assertive in their pursuit of him.
Auqib Nabi: The 29-year-old Jammu and Kashmir pacer has been in excellent form in domestic cricket this year. He is likely to thrive in the early-season conditions at the new Chandigarh stadium, where the surface offers pace and bounce for bowlers. Able to swing the ball at a decent pace, Nabi could form an effective new-ball partnership with Arshdeep Singh, adding both depth and variety to PBKS’ pace attack.
Quick Reads
View AllCooper Connolly: An excellent and underrated option, Cooper Connolly could fill a specific role PBKS had earmarked for Glenn Maxwell last year but had to abandon due to Maxwell’s poor form. One of Australia’s most promising all-rounders, Connolly is a hard-hitting batter and can also contribute a few overs of spin in every match, providing balance and flexibility to the squad.
Auqib Nabi – What a bowler! 🔥
— Cric Insights (@cricinsights1) November 27, 2025
Delivering top-class performances across all formats.
Against Maharashtra in the SMAT T20, he produced a brilliant spell of 3.5-28-3.
A rising Swing King force in Indian domestic cricket! 💥
which IPL franchise will pick him in 2026? 🤔#AuqibNabi… pic.twitter.com/8JnZWa4EJW
Wiaan Mulder: The South African medium-pace all-rounder offers a versatile option for PBKS, capable of contributing with both bat and ball. He can serve as a backup for frontline all-rounders like Marco Jansen or Marcus Stoinis, providing balance and depth to the squad. Mulder’s ability to bowl disciplined medium pace and play crucial middle-order innings makes him a valuable utility player in the T20 format.
Beyond these names, PBKS may target a few uncapped Indian players as investments for the future. Options like Tushar Raheja or Kartik Sharma could serve as useful backups for established players such as Partsimran Singh, providing depth and long-term potential to the squad.
Punjab Kings are approaching the IPL 2026 auction in a conservative mode. With just a few smart acquisitions, they could once again emerge as one of the teams to watch out for.
 "Worry for Trump: Unemployment rises to 4-year high, says US jobs report")
 "From Trump’s ‘alcoholic personality’ to Musk’s ‘avowed’ drug use: Bombshells from Susie Wiles’ interview")
 "What do Virginia Giuffre, Shafali Verma and Zohran Mamdani have in common? They are the underdogs of 2025")
 "Trump can build ballroom in White House, rules US federal judge")
 "Worry for Trump: Unemployment rises to 4-year high, says US jobs report")
 "From Trump’s ‘alcoholic personality’ to Musk’s ‘avowed’ drug use: Bombshells from Susie Wiles’ interview")
 "What do Virginia Giuffre, Shafali Verma and Zohran Mamdani have in common? They are the underdogs of 2025")
 "Trump can build ballroom in White House, rules US federal judge")
