TL;DR
- Punjab Kings retained their core squad for IPL 2026, releasing six players including Glenn Maxwell.
- PBKS enters the mini-auction with INR 11.50 crore and four vacancies, two for overseas players.
- Potential overseas batting targets for PBKS include Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Faf du Plessis, or Jake Fraser-McGurk.
- PBKS might target an overseas all-rounder like Cameron Green or Andre Russell to strengthen their squad.
IPL 2025 runners-up Punjab Kings step into the IPL 2026 mini auction with their core squad retained. They have released only six players from the last squad, which includes big names like Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis.
Given a modest budget and limited areas needing reinforcement, it'll be intriguing to observe PBKS's strategy at the upcoming mini-auction in Abu Dhabi next month.
PBKS's remaining funds and team deficiencies for the 2026 IPL season
PBKS is heading into the mini auction with just INR 11.50 crore available, following recent player retention and trade decisions. The team has four vacancies to fill, with two of those spots designated for overseas players.
PBKS is unlikely to be heavily involved in this year's auction, having only released players such as Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, Praveen Dubey, and Kyle Jamieson.
MORE: PBKS retention list for IPL 2026 auction
PBKS's overseas batting priorities
PBKS have Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya in the opening slot, who enjoyed tremendous success last season. They also boast of having seasoned campaigners like Shreyas Iyer to support youngsters.
Yet, the team management could consider signing an overseas top order batter to further strengthen roster and could sign one of Devon Conway or Rachin Ravindra. Former DC stars Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk can also be feasible options.
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PBKS's overseas all-rounder choices
PBKS possesses two dependable all-rounders in Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen, but they might pursue an overseas all-rounder to enhance the squad further.
One of Cameron Green or KKR legend Andre Russell could be a feasible option for the PBKS franchise.