Punjab Kings will not have to make extensive changes after finishing the group phase with only 4 losses and then made their second IPL final.
Except for the final, almost everything became correct for Punjab Kings (PBK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This means that unlike teams like Chennai Super Kings, they will not have to load the bucket of changes. Most of the locations in Punjab have been covered. But whatever, they will have to release at least 2 foreign players in IPL 2026 auctions.
This is because so far, there are 10 foreign players in their squad due to injuries. And only 8 is allowed. Therefore, they have to issue two foreigners at bare minimum. But given the performance or non-demonstrations, they should release two more players.
4 players Punjab Kings should release before IPL 2026 auction
| Player | Property | price | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Spinner | 18 crores rupees | 16 wickets (14 matches, 9.55 economy) |
| Michel Oweno | Batsman | 3 crore rupees | 0 runs (1 match) |
| Xavier Bartlet✈ | Fast bowler | 80 lakh rupees | 2 wickets (4 matches, 9.60 economy) |
| Yash Thakur | Fast bowler | 1.60 crore rupees | 1 wicket (2 matches, 12.15 economy) |
Why Chahal?
16 wickets are not bad? Well, this is not on paper. Chahal played just 5 matches against teams qualifying for IPL playoffs. In these games, he got 5 wickets at 31.40. In only three of these matches, Chahal bowled his entire quota. And every time he went for more than 35 runs. Given that he was paid Rs 18 crore, it is not quite good. Harpreet Brar, who paid only Rs 1.50 crore by PBKS, took 10 wickets in 8 matches and was better in all statistical comparisons.
Even in the IPL 2025 finals, he was not among the top three bowlers for PBK. Despite the most wicket -taking wickets in the IPL, he never bowled in this way. Instead of being the best bowler in the team, he was often an obligation for Shreyas Iyer, in the ball and the field.
Why not Glenn Maxwell?
The reason why Maxwell is not mentioned is due to their price tag of Rs 4.20. Yes, his performance was sudden, but a more talented player could not be found at such a price in the auction. And if a chance is given, he will win a few matches in a season. In addition, giving relief to Chahal will give him enough money to go after a big name player.
Punjab Kings Squad before IPL 2026
Batsmen,
All rounder: Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell ,, Marco Jansen ,, Azmatullah Omarzai ,, Aaron Hardy, Mushir Khan, Shashank Singh, Suryash Shed
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijayakumar Vyasak, Yash Thakur, Lockey Fergusono, Kuldeep Sen, Javier Bartlet ,, Praveen Dubey, Harpreet Bread, Kaili Jemisenosen.
Editor’s choice
Cricket predicts a playing XI to India: KL Rahul and Akash in depth, Sarfaraz Khan 2 out for England Lions match
Top stories
