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 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. They finished at the top of the points table after the league stage. However, their quest for a maiden title ended in heartbreak as they suffered a six-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Ahmedabad on June 3.
Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting’s 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 at the top of the table and reached their first playoffs in over a decade. The duo had earlier thrived together at the 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’s strategies throughout the season. However, the team still has a few areas that need improvement ahead of the next campaign.
There Are Two Players Punjab Kings Might Release
Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Rohit Juglan revealed that the Punjab Kings are considering releasing Praveen Dubey and Aaron Hardie ahead of the upcoming IPL auction.
The two names have reportedly been discussed within the franchise. However, Juglan added that apart from them, PBKS are expected to retain the rest of their squad members, including Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, and Pyala Avinash.
“There are two players Punjab Kings might release — one is Praveen Dubey, and the other, as I was told, is Aaron Hardie. These two names have been discussed. Apart from that, whether it’s Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, or Pyala Avinash, I don’t think Punjab Kings are planning to release anyone else at this point.”
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 be held in mid-December outside India, possibly in Abu Dhabi. The BCCI is expected to officially confirm both the venue and dates by the retention deadline.
According to reports, teams are currently reviewing their purse balance and squad composition 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 is likely to revolve around continuing with Shreyas Iyer’s strong Indian core while working to strengthen their bowling depth and all-round options as they aim to go one step further and claim their first IPL title.
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