Punjab Kings had one of their strongest campaigns in IPL 2025. They finished at the top of the table, played fearless cricket throughout the season, and reached the final after defeating Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. Even though they lost to RCB in the title match, the season still marked a big step forward for the team under Shreyas Iyer.
PBKS showed improvement in every department. The openers delivered quick starts, the middle order stayed consistent, and the bowlers kept taking wickets at the right moments. Because of this solid performance, the franchise has decided to retain a big core for the upcoming season.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction, PBKS have kept 21 players and released only five, showing their trust in the squad that performed well last year.
Here’s a simple look at the confirmed PBKS retained players list for IPL 2026.
PBKS IPL 2026 Retained Players List
Here are the players PBKS have officially retained for IPL 2026 based on the latest November 2025 announcement.
| Player Name | Role | IPL Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | Batter (Captain) | Led PBKS to the IPL 2025 Final; scored 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and SR 175.07. |
| Prabhsimran Singh | WK-Batter | Strong Indian opener; scored 549 runs in IPL 2025, giving PBKS explosive starts. |
| Nehal Wadhera | Batter | Key middle-order bat; 369 runs in IPL 2025, providing stability under pressure. |
| Shashank Singh | Batter | One of PBKS’s top performers; 704 runs in 2 seasons, including 61(30)* in IPL 2025 Final. |
| Priyansh Arya | All-Rounder | Breakout talent; 475 runs in 17 matches with a 179.25 SR, highest by an uncapped Indian in debut season. |
| Harpreet Brar | All-Rounder | Reliable spinner; career IPL economy 8.03, plus handy lower-order batting. |
| Marco Jansen | All-Rounder | Overseas pace all-rounder; took 16 wickets in IPL 2025 and contributed with the bat. |
| Musheer Khan | All-Rounder | Young domestic all-rounder; retained for his strong potential and promising 2025 outings. |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | PBKS’s lead pacer; 21 wickets in IPL 2025, 97 career wickets for Punjab. |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-Rounder | Power-hitter; scored 160 runs at SR 186.05 in IPL 2025. |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Spinner | IPL’s all-time top wicket-taker; picked 16 wickets for PBKS, including IPL 2025’s only hat-trick. |
| Lockie Ferguson | Fast Bowler | Express pacer; took 5 wickets in limited games, offering raw pace. |
| Xavier Bartlett | Fast Bowler | Australian seamer retained for his sharp lines and promising debut season. |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | All-Rounder | Contributed quick runs and took 8 wickets in IPL 2025. |
1. Shreyas Iyer (Batter, Captain)
Shreyas Iyer led PBKS to the IPL 2025 final with a stellar 604 runs at an average of 50.33. As captain, he united a young, promising squad and emerged as the backbone of the middle order.
Under his captaincy, PBKS finished the campaign as the table topper after 2014. PBKS will undoubtedly retain him for his ability to play good innings and to lead the team to win the IPL title.
2. Prabhsimran Singh (WK-Batter)
Prabhsimran Singh is another reliable Indian batter who delivered consistently for the franchise.
He scored 549 runs in 17 matches, consistently providing PBKS with strong starts. PBKS retains him to maintain the vital Indian core and ensure stability in the powerplay overs.
3. Nehal Wadhera (Batter)
Nehal Wadhera impressed with 369 runs for PBKS in IPL 2025 with a strike rate of 145.85.
His maturity and ability to build innings add depth to the batting lineup. PBKS will retain him to ensure a dependable Indian batter who offers aggression and composure in the middle order during pressure situations.
4. Shashank Singh (Batter)
Shashank Singh has been a top choice for retention for PBKS in 2025, and he will be the top counterder for retention in IPL 2026 as well. It is because of his flexibility and consistency. He has scored 704 runs in two seasons for the team.
His top and middle-order adaptability allows the team to adjust strategies mid-game. Retaining Shashank will strengthen the batting core, add experience, and provide a steady run contributor in crucial moments.
5. Priyansh Arya (All-Rounder)
Priyansh Arya is PBKS’s emerging Indian all-round talent, scoring 475 runs in 17 matches with a strike rate of 179.25, marking him as the most prolific uncapped Indian in his debut season.
His batting firepower and part-time bowling promise significant value. PBKS will retain their uncapped Indian opener, who can impact matches with his ability to hit sixes.
6. Marco Jansen (All-Rounder)
Marco Jansen offers overseas pace and all-round skills, capturing 16 wickets in IPL 2025.
His ability to swing the ball and contribute crucial lower-order runs makes him PBKS’s key overseas all-rounder. Retaining Jansen ensures balance in bowling and depth in batting for tough matches.
7. Arshdeep Singh (Bowler)
Arshdeep Singh is PBKS’s spearhead in death overs with 97 wickets.
His ability to deliver under pressure and break partnerships is irreplaceable. PBKS retains him as a crucial bowler and match-winner.
PBKS IPL 2026 Released Players List (Updated)
PBKS have officially released only five players before the IPL 2026 Auction.
| Player Name | Role | Reason for Release |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Inglis | WK-Batter | Unavailable for IPL 2026 |
| Glenn Maxwell | All-Rounder | Injuries + poor form in 2025 |
| Aaron Hardie | All-Rounder | Limited game time, overseas slot management |
| Kuldeep Sen | Bowler | Did not fit into PBKS bowling plans |
| Pravin Dubey | Bowler | Spin reshuffle + space for young players |
PBKS IPL 2026 Squad Overview
- Batters & Wicketkeepers:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh
- All-Rounders:
Priyansh Arya, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Musheer Khan, Marcus Stoinis
- Bowlers:
Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur
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Conclusion: Shreyas Iyer Will Lead PBKS In IPL 2026
PBKS have decided to continue with the same strong core that helped them reach the IPL 2025 final. Keeping most of their key players shows the team’s confidence in their current setup.
Shreyas Iyer will lead the side again in IPL 2026, and PBKS will rely on their stable batting order, impactful all-rounders, and dependable bowlers to maintain momentum from last season.
By releasing only a few players, the franchise has focused on continuity and balance. Their main goal now will be to use the mini-auction to add the right players and prepare for another strong campaign in IPL 2026.
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