IPL 2026 Auction: How Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings can fix gaps with ruthless, high-impact buys
More importantly, Punjab Kings’ shopping list is already clear. PBKS have made it clear that they are in the market for an explosive middle-order batsman, a reliable wicketkeeper as cover and an additional Indian bowling option to bolster the depth.What is the current situation?
Punjab Kings retained 21 players and released five before the auction: Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen and Pravin Dubey.
The key features protected are Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar.
PBKS enters the auction with Rs 11.50 million in its pocket, four slots to fill and two overseas points; Enough flexibility to make targeted, high-impact additions rather than wholesale changes.
Players on PBKS’s radar
Michael Bracewell (approximately Rs 2 crore)
Michael Bracewell profiles PBKS as a neat, similar solution to what they lost with Glenn Maxwell. It offers the ability to phase-shift strikes and spins, giving the captain true match control. His presence on spin-friendly tracks allows Punjab to tighten the middle alongside Yuzvendra Chahal without the need for structural changes in the XI.
Jordan Cox (approximately Rs 75 lakh)
PBKS does not purchase a bench heater. They want a wicketkeeper-batsman who can step in directly when required, without changing the batting order. Jordan Cox fits the bill perfectly; functional, adaptable and highly compatible with PBKS’s wallet management. It’s goalkeeper protection without financial compromise.
Kartik Sharma or Salil Arora (around Rs 30 lakh)
Among the uncapped Indian wicketkeepers, Kartik Sharma and Salil Arora have created a stir recently after their strong performances in the latest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Both will give PBKS depth and flexibility domestically and provide the advantage of coming at a controlled price. Punjab can realistically expect to secure their preferred option within budget.
Akash Madhwal (approximately Rs 30 lakh)
Mini-auctions often reveal teams that ignore fatigue and injury planning. With Arshdeep Singh leading the Indian pace unit, PBKS need a reliable domestic seamer whom they can turn to whenever rotation is required. Akash Madhwal fits that profile: low cost, high benefit and the capacity to keep a tough week from snowballing into a season-long problem.
