Punjab Kings (PBKS) are expected to retain a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and promising Indian youngsters as they prepare for the IPL 2026 season. Following their impressive performances in IPL 2025, the franchise does not need to make any major changes to its lineup.
The Kings had one of their best seasons in IPL 2025, reaching the final after 11 years. They finished top of the points table after the championship stage. However, their quest for a maiden title ended in heartbreak as they suffered a six-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (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 transformed the fortunes of Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. The team finished on top of the table and reached their first playoffs in over a decade. The duo had already thrived together at Delhi Capitals (DC).
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Shreyas Iyer scored 604 runs in 17 innings at an average of 50.33 and an impressive strike rate of 175.07, including six half-centuries. Apart from a few low scores, Iyer’s form and captaincy were instrumental in the team’s success.
Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting’s tactical expertise and understanding of match conditions played a key role in shaping PBKS’ strategies throughout the season. However, the team still has a few areas to improve before the next campaign.
There are two players Punjab Kings could release
Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Rohit Juglan revealed that Punjab Kings are considering releasing Praveen Dubey and Aaron Hardie ahead of the upcoming IPL auction.
Both names would have been mentioned within the franchise. However, Juglan added that apart from them, PBKS should retain the rest of their team members including Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Sheedge, Musheer Khan and Pyala Avinash.
“There are two players that Punjab Kings could release: one is Praveen Dubey and the other, as I have been told, is Aaron Hardie. Both of these names have been discussed. Apart from that, whether it is Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan or Pyala Avinash, I don’t think Punjab Kings are considering releasing anyone else at this stage.”
Player retention deadline set for November 15, 2025
With the player retention deadline set for November 15, 2025, IPL franchises are finalizing their squads ahead of the mini-auction, which is expected to take place in mid-December outside India, possibly in Abu Dhabi. The BCCI is expected to officially confirm the venue and dates before the retention deadline.
According to reports, teams are currently reviewing their scholarship balances and rosters to make room for targeted signings. Franchises remain focused on retaining core players, releasing surplus names, and making strategic additions to improve overall team balance.
For Punjab, the retention strategy will likely be to continue with Shreyas Iyer’s strong Indian core while working to strengthen their bowling depth and overall options as they aim to go further and win their first IPL title.
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