Punjab Kings (PBKS) are expected to maintain a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and promising Indian youngsters as they prepare for the IPL 2026 season. After their stellar performance in IPL 2025, the franchise does not need to make major changes to its lineup.
The Kings had one of their best seasons in IPL 2025, reaching the final after 11 years. After the league stage they topped the points table. However, their quest for a maiden title ended tragically after they suffered a six-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Ahmedabad on June 3.
Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting duo transformed Punjab Kings in IPL 2025
The captain-coach combination of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting changed the fortunes of Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. The team topped the table and reached its first playoffs in more than a decade. The pair had earlier featured together for Delhi Capitals (DC).
Shreyas Iyer scored 604 runs in 17 innings at an average of 50.33 and an excellent strike rate of 175.07, which included six half-centuries. Apart from some low scores, Iyer’s form and captaincy played a vital role in the team’s success.
Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting’s tactical expertise and understanding of match situations played a vital role in shaping PBKS’s strategies throughout the season. However, the team still has some areas that need improvement before the next campaign.
There are two players whom Punjab Kings can release
Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Rohit Juglan revealed that Punjab Kings are considering releasing Praveen Dubey and Aaron Hardy ahead of the upcoming IPL auction.
Two names have reportedly been discussed within the franchise. However, Juglan said that apart from him, PBKS is expected to retain the rest of its team members, including Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan and Pyala Avinash.
“There are two players whom Punjab Kings may release – one is Praveen Dubey, and the other, as I was told, is Aaron Hardy. These two names have been discussed. Also, whether it is Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan or Pyala Avinash, I don’t think Punjab Kings are planning to release anyone else at this time.”
Player retention deadline set for November 15, 2025
With the deadline to retain players set for November 15, 2025, IPL franchises are finalizing their squads ahead of the mini-auction, which is expected to be held outside India, possibly in Abu Dhabi, in mid-December. BCCI is expected to officially confirm both the venue and dates by the retention deadline.
According to reports, teams are currently reviewing their purse balances and team composition to make room for targeted signings. Franchises remain focused on retaining key players, releasing surplus names and making strategic additions to improve the overall team balance.
For Punjab, the retention strategy is likely to revolve around Shreyas Iyer continuing with the strong Indian core as well as strengthening their bowling depth and all-round options as they aim to go one step further and claim their maiden IPL title.
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