Published on: Mar 23, 2026 2:02 pm IST|Updated on: Mar 23, 2026 2:09 pm IST
Two-time finalists, the Punjab Kings, would be hoping to break their curse of not winning the IPL trophy. Shreyas Iyer’s men were the finalists of last year’s IPL but unfortunately couldn’t lay their hands on the prestigious trophy. Punjab Kings had a stellar squad last year, and everyone witnessed how impactful the team’s performances were throughout the season. In the IPL 2026 auction, Punjab didn’t make outright changes to the squad, as they trusted their core from the last season to get the job done in this edition.
As the team marches into IPL 2026, their only mission will be to get one step better this time around and claim their first-ever IPL trophy after 19 seasons of waiting. Let’s break down the squad in this post and predict the best XI that might finally deliver Punjab Kings their first IPL crown.
Last Season’s Finish: Runners-up
One of the finds for Punjab Kings from the last season was the opening duo of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. The swashbuckling duo led the foundation for Punjab in almost every game and were always busy in bettering each other in terms of scoring runs at a brisk pace. The Punjab team management won’t do any tinkering with their tried and tested opening pair and will give them the license to score runs freely and dominate the opposition bowlers.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer will once again hold the key for the Punjab Kings at no. 3. He played at a similar spot last season as well and played some vital knocks for his side. The captain can play the waiting game and can be the aggressor whenever needed. His role will be crucial for the Kings this season.
Batting at no 4 will be the local lad, Nehal Wadhera. Like last season, the Punjab Kings are backing their homegrown talent to form the core of their batting unit. The southpaw Nehal will be batting at no. 4 and has a major role to play in the batting unit for Punjab Kings this season.
Walking at no. 5 will be Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Big Stoin has been a veteran of the IPL, playing in numerous teams over the years. Punjab used him pretty well in the last season with both bat and ball. Once again, the franchise will look to make the most of Stoinis’ ability with both bat and ball and use him as a proper all-rounder in the eleven.
With the over-hyped and worthless Glenn Maxwell no longer a part of the side, Punjab Kings can now play both their all-rounders in Australia’s Marcus Stoinis and Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai. The Afghan all-rounder can be used as a floater, as he is good enough to bat at any position in the order.
Shashank Singh has earned the reputation of a clutch player over the years, playing for Punjab Kings. His heroics are on display for the team in almost every season, and no one can forget how close he got the team to their maiden title last year in the final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He thrives in high‑pressure scenarios, and his role will be to provide the late surge to PBKS batting.
Marco Jansen, the tall South African pacer, adds bounce and pace to the attack. His ability to strike early and bowl at the death makes him a key weapon. Jansen’s left‑arm angle provides variety, troubling batters with swing and seam movement. Xavier Bartlett, the Australian quick, brings raw pace and aggression. His knack for picking wickets in the middle overs ensures PBKS can maintain pressure throughout the innings. Bartlett’s inclusion adds depth to the pace department, making Punjab’s attack more formidable. However, he will lose his place once Lokie Ferguson is back after missing the first few weeks of the tournament.
Arshdeep Singh, the local hero, remains the spearhead of the PBKS bowling unit. His accuracy with the new ball and calmness at the death have made him one of India’s most reliable T20 bowlers. Arshdeep’s ability to deliver under pressure will be critical in tight matches.
When you look at Punjab Kings’ spin bowling options, you can’t look beyond the veteran Yuzvendra Chahal. His experience and wicket‑taking ability in the middle overs make him a vital asset. Chahal’s variations and ability to outfox batters ensure PBKS have control when the opposition looks to accelerate. His presence adds balance to the attack, complementing the pace trio perfectly.
Harpreet Brar, the left‑arm spinner, will serve as the Impact Sub, as he did in the majority of games last season as well. His ability to bowl tight spells and chip in with crucial wickets makes him a handy option. Brar also adds depth with the bat, giving PBKS flexibility in team combinations depending on match situations. Punjab utilized him smartly in the last season as an impact sub by bringing him into the game at a time where he can contribute with both bat and ball. The plan would be the same for Harpreet this season as well.
Tags: IPL 2026