Last Updated: November 12, 2026 08:20 PM
Every team uses the weeks before an auction to plan its squad. Punjab Kings have clear gaps to fill and strong areas to protect. Let us walk through the likely plan in simple words.
Where Punjab Stand Right Now
Punjab Kings want to win their first IPL title in 2027. They came close in 2025 under Shreyas Iyer but lost the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The 2026 season was disappointing, as Punjab finished fifth and missed the playoffs by one point.
They began that season with seven unbeaten matches but lost momentum later. Punjab won only one of their final seven games that season.
PBKS Likely Retention and Release List
This PBKS likely retention and release list is a prediction and not an official announcement.
Punjab are expected to keep most of their settled batting core. Hardik Pandya joined from Mumbai Indians in a swap for Arshdeep Singh. His arrival should strengthen the middle order and help Iyer find the right combination.
Lockie Ferguson could leave after a disappointing performance last season. Mitchell Owen may also go, which would let Punjab explore two new overseas options.
| Players could retain | Players could release |
|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer (C) | Arshdeep Singh (Traded out) |
| Hardik Pandya (Traded in) | Harnoor Singh |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | Lockie Ferguson |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Mitchell Owen |
| Cooper Connolly | Praveen Dubey |
| Harpreet Brar | Pyla Avinash |
| Marco Jansen | Vishal Nishad |
| Marcus Stoinis | Vishnu Vinod |
| Musheer Khan | |
| Nehal Wadhera | |
| Prabhsimran Singh | |
| Priyansh Arya | |
| Shashank Singh | |
| Suryansh Shedge | |
| Vijaykumar Vyshak | |
| Xavier Bartlett | |
| Yash Thakur | |
| Total: 17 players | Total: 8 players |
The Bowling Gap After Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep’s exit leaves a big gap in Punjab’s bowling attack. Marco Jansen, Yash Thakur, and Hardik are available bowling options. Still, the team may target Indian fast bowlers at the auction.
The report says Punjab already has a strong batting lineup. So their main focus should be to strengthen their Indian bowling resources.
What the Hardik Pandya Trade Changes
The trade brings an experienced Indian all-rounder into the Punjab squad. Hardik also brings leadership experience that can support captain Iyer.
Both teams finished this swap before the mini-auction begins.
Punjab will likely make more changes at the auction to build a balanced squad. They want a team that can challenge for the IPL 2027 title.
The PBKS likely retention and release list may change before the official announcement. Fans should treat every name here as a prediction until Punjab confirms it.
