The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction was held in Abu Dhabi on December 16with 369 players available for franchises. Punjab Kings (PBKS)finalists in IPL 2025, entered the auction with a largely settled squad and limited requirements, opting for a restrained and targeted approach.

PBKS signed only four players at the auction, focusing on squad depth rather than headline buys, with Australian all-rounders Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis being their most notable additions.

Shreyas Iyer continues as Punjab Kings captain

Shreyas Iyer will continue to captain Punjab Kings in IPL 2026. The franchise has retained its strong leadership core following a successful run to the final last season, backed by a balanced mix of Indian and overseas talent.

What Punjab Kings did at the IPL 2026 auction

Punjab Kings walked into the auction with clarity, having already retained most of their first-choice XI. Their primary objective was to add depth and cover across departments.

The signing of Cooper Connolly adds flexibility as a batting all-rounder, while Ben Dwarshuis strengthens the left-arm pace options. PBKS also invested in Indian domestic experience by bringing in Pravin Dubeya leg-spin option, and Vishal Nishadwho adds depth to their Indian bowling resources.

Players bought by Punjab Kings at the IPL 2026 auction

Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad.

PBKS auction summary

• Purse remaining: Rs. 3.50 crore
• Player slots remaining: 0
• Overseas slots remaining: 0

Punjab Kings retained players before the auction

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod.

Punjab Kings full squad for IPL 2026

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyala Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Thakur, Vishnu Vinod, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad.

Squad outlook

Punjab Kings head into IPL 2026 with one of the most settled squads in the league. With Shreyas Iyer leading a core that blends experience, all-round depth, and a potent bowling attack, PBKS appear well-positioned to build on last season’s finalist finish while relying on continuity rather than overhaul.