PBKS Playing 11 for IPL 2026 After Retention List

The runners-up from the last season of IPL, we’re talking about the Punjab Kings. Since the league’s very beginning in 2008, PBKS have always been a star-studded team. From Yuvraj Singh to Adam Gilchrist, some of the legendary cricketers have been part of this team.

Across the years, the franchise has seen several iconic performances that have produced unforgettable moments. While the team is still chasing its first IPL title, Punjab Kings have always remained one of the most unpredictable and exciting sides in the tournament.

With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, the spotlight now shifts to the Punjab Kings retention list. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Arshdeep Singh are forming a strong leadership and performance core.

PBKS Retention List

Punjab Kings are heading into the IPL 2026 auction with a strong focus on stability, which was missing for a long time in this team, and the players who are most likely to be retained reflect that vision. The batting unit looks promising with dependable names like Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, and last season's sensational opener Priyansh Arya.
In the all-round department, Punjab have a powerful bunch of players like Marcus Stoinis, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Musheer Khan, and Suryansh Shedge, giving the team balance, depth, and flexibility across formats.
The bowling attack is equally impressive, featuring one of the best IPL bowlers, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Yash Thakur, and Xavier Bartlett, all capable of delivering match-defining spells.

PBKS Players Likely to be Released

Punjab Kings are expected to release a few players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction to create room for new talent. Vishnu Vinod and Pravin Dubey may be let go due to limited opportunities, while Kyle Jamieson and Kuldeep Sen have struggled with consistency and fitness, making their retention less likely.

Aaron Hardie, despite his all-round potential, hasn’t produced impactful performances that fit Punjab’s evolving combination. One of the most dangerous IPL batsmen, Glenn Maxwell, a big name but an inconsistent performer in recent seasons, is also expected to be released.

PBKS Playing 11 for IPL 2026

PBKS playing 11 for IPL 2026 is looking balanced and competitive; the team is full of match-winners. At the top, Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provide aggressive starts, followed by the experienced Shreyas Iyer and the promising Nehal Wadhera to stabilise the middle order.

Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis add power and depth, ensuring strong finishes. Harpreet Brar brings control with his left-arm spin, while Yuzvendra Chahal offers world-class wicket-taking ability. In the pace department, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, and Xavier Bartlett form a deadly trio that is capable of bringing matches in PBKS’s favour.