IPL 2025 The season marked an important milestone for Kings of Punjab (PBKS). Under the competent leadership of the captain. Shreyas Iyer and the strategic guidance of the head coach Ricky PontingPBKS reached the IPL final for the first time in a decade. This impressive turnaround has instilled a sense of optimism in the franchise, but with the IPL 2026 Mini Auction A strategic restructuring of the team is approaching that 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 the team’s weaker areas. Here, we explore five players who could find themselves in the release list ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
PBKS likely to release key players in 2026
- Lockie Ferguson
Lockie FergusonPBKS’ tenure this season was marred by injuries, which limited his on-field contributions. New Zealand The fast bowler managed just five wickets in four matches with a costly economy rate of 9.16. His injury history further clouds his future with the franchise as consistent fitness is essential for bowlers in the high-octane IPL.
Ferguson’s raw pace and ability to change games with early breakthroughs make him an attractive prospect for several franchises, but PBKS might prefer to cut their losses to focus on more reliable options in the upcoming auction. His release would free up some space and some cap space, allowing PBKS to target all-round bowlers who can deliver in the death overs and powerplays.
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
Vijaykumar VyshakHis inclusion in the PBKS team was prompted by his promising national record and his ability to adapt to T20 cricket. However, his performances in IPL in 2025 were disappointing. Playing five matches, Vyshak took four wickets but struggled with his economy and finished with 10.65 runs per over.
If PBKS decides to release Vyshak, it could be motivated by a desire to bring in new bowling options with more consistent performances or strengthen their youth pipeline. Vyshak has adequate stuttering skills, especially through yorkers and slower deliveries, and could attract interest from other franchises looking to add reliable seamers in the upcoming auction.
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- Vishnu Vinod
Vishnu VinodAn experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, he did not appear in any IPL games during 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 team back-up or middle-order option.
His absence from the PBKS playing XI suggests a surplus in the team’s wicketkeeping options, especially with the presence of others like Jonny Bairstow and short matthew. If released, Vinod’s aggressive style and experience could interest teams looking for a backup or impact player capable of anchoring an innings in the lower-middle order.
- Yash Thakur
Yash ThakurLimited opportunities this season call into question his long-term position in PBKS. Despite his talent, Thakur managed just one wicket in two appearances, with an economy of 12.15. His skill set – slower tricky balls, accurate yorkers and lower-order batting 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 pick for franchises looking for a reliable bowler. PBKS may choose to release him to make room for younger or more established fast bowlers to fill the missing links in the team.
- Glenn Maxwell
Glenn MaxwellMichael’s potential to win games is well recognized, but his 2025 season did not live up to expectations. Playing just seven matches, Maxwell scored just 48 runs and took four wickets before a broken finger ruled him out. His inconsistent form and injury concerns could influence PBKS to consider releasing Maxwell, despite his reputation as a powerful batsman and versatile spinner.
The franchise might prefer to use the funds from Maxwell’s release on more consistent players to build a more balanced squad for IPL 2026. While his all-round capabilities remain valuable, his current form and injury setbacks could lead to a parting of ways.
As IPL 2026 approaches, cumulative decisions on player retention and release will shape the franchise’s fortunes in the coming seasons. The strategic release of these five players by PBKS indicates a calculated move to renew the team, with the aim of achieving sustained success in the next edition. The auction will no doubt witness a lively bidding war for some of these talents, fueling excitement among cricket fans and franchise strategists alike.
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