IPL 2025 season marked an important milestone for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Under the able leadership of Captain Shreyas Iyer and the strategic guidance of the head coach Ricky PontingPBKS reached the IPL final for the first time in ten years. This impressive turnaround has given the franchise a sense of optimism, but with the IPL 2026 mini auction looming, strategic squad restructuring seems inevitable. Given the ever-changing nature of T20 cricket and the auction dynamics of the IPL, PBKS is likely to release several players to create space for new talent and strengthen weaker sections of the squad. Here we explore five players who could be on the release list ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Key players likely to be released by PBKS in 2026
- Lockie Ferguson
Lockie Ferguson‘s tenure with PBKS this season was marred by injuries, limiting his contribution on the field. New Zealand the fast bowler took just five wickets in four matches at an expensive economy rate of 9.16. His injury history further clouds his future with the franchise as consistent fitness is crucial for bowlers in the high-octane IPL.
Ferguson’s raw pace and ability to turn games around with early breakthroughs make him an attractive prospect for several franchises, but PBKS may prefer to cut their losses to focus on more reliable options in the upcoming auction. His release would free up a slot and some salary cap space, allowing PBKS to focus on versatile bowlers who can perform in death overs and powerplays.
- Vijay Kumar Vyshak
Vijay Kumar Vyshak‘s inclusion in the PBKS squad was driven by his promising domestic record and his ability to adapt to T20 cricket. However, his IPL performance in 2025 was disappointing. Vyshak played five matches and took four wickets, but struggled with his economy and finished at 10.65 runs per over.
If PBKS decide to release Vyshak, it could be motivated by a desire to bring in new bowling options with more consistent performances or to strengthen their youth pipeline. Vyshak has skills suitable for late overs, especially through yorkers and slower deliveries, and could attract interest from other franchises looking for reliable seamers in the next auction.
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- Vishnu Vinod
Vishnu Vinodan experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, did not feature in a single IPL match in 2025. With a T20 record of 1,620 runs at an average of 31.15, including a century and eight fifties, Vinod possesses attacking batting skills that could fit well as a back-up to a side or as a middle-order option.
His absence from the PBKS as an XI suggests a surplus of wicketkeeping options from the team, especially with the presence of others like Jonny Bairstow And Matthew Short. If released, Vinod’s aggressive style and experience could interest teams looking for a backup or impact player who can anchor innings in the lower middle order.
- Yas Thakur
Yas Thakur‘s limited opportunities this season put his long-term position at PBKS in question. Despite his talent, Thakur managed just one wicket from two appearances, with an economy of 12.15. His skills – deceptive slower balls, accurate yorkers and lower order hitting potential – make him an asset elsewhere.
With 25 wickets in 21 IPL matches at an economy of 10.42, Thakur’s ability to adapt to different roles makes him an attractive choice for franchises looking for a reliable bowler. PBKS could opt to release him to make room for younger or more established fast bowlers to fill the missing links of the side.
- Glenn Maxwell
Glenn MaxwellHis potential to be a game-winner is widely recognized, but his 2025 season fell short of expectations. Maxwell played just seven matches, scoring just 48 runs and taking four wickets before a broken finger sidelined him. His inconsistent form and injury concerns could influence PBKS to consider releasing Maxwell despite his reputation as a powerful hitter and versatile spinner.
The franchise may prefer to use the money from Maxwell’s release on more consistent performers to build a more balanced team for IPL 2026. While his all-round abilities remain valuable, his current form and injury setbacks could lead to a parting of ways.
As IPL 2026 approaches, the cumulative decisions on retaining and releasing players will determine the franchise’s fortunes for the coming seasons. The strategic release of these five players by PBKS signals a calculated move to revamp the roster, with the aim of sustainable success in the next edition. The auction is sure to witness a lively bidding war for some of these talents, fueling excitement among cricket fans and franchise strategists alike.
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