IPL 2026 AuctionSet in Abu Dhabi on December 16, it promises high drama as the favored teams Kings of the Punjab 10 11.5 crore including the two outer spots and complete the sets with a remaining purse of four slots. After retaining a core of 21 players, PBS aims to increase its batting depth and middle-order stability after a strong IPL 2025 campaign. With intense bidding expected for explosive talent, Punjab Kings can target versatile performers to boost their playoff push.
5 players Punjab kings can go for in IPL 2026 mini auction
- Josh English
Australian Josh English Emerges as an option for PBKS, offers explosive top-order batting and reliable gloves, his 156th in 30 matches with 672 runs including a century, 68 fours and 24 fours, 24 wickets, in line with Punjab’s aggressive PowerPlay strategy despite his 2026 availability due to national duties. At a base price of ₹ 2 crore, Inglis can anchor abroad while freeing up local defenders, addressing PBKS’s need for overseas balance.
- Cooper Connolly
Young Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly He stands out with 2025 runs for Perthcermers, claiming 351 runs at a strike rate of 131.46 and six wickets at an economy of 7.41 in 10 overs. Middle-order firepower, including two fifties, plus left-arm spin, make PBKS ideal for the spin-friendly mullanpur pitch and death overs. As a talent not associated with the champions’ trophy exposure, Connolly represents a smart asset to underline Connolly’s youthful and multi-faceted impact on Punjab’s squad.
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- Vishnu vinod
Hard hitting Wicketper of Kerala Vishnu vinod A pedigree with 508 runs at 508 at 63.50 in 2019-20 brings the list of top run charts Vijay Hazarealong with Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Recently it promises as 94 draws in 159 strike rate. Despite a modest IPL, 56 runs from 56 runs in six games, his boundary-smashing feat-six, at a budget planter price where every 8.5 ball pbx is finished in domestic T20s. Vinod’s gloves and Kerala consistency can provide depth behind the retained options.
- Steve Smith
Steve SmithWith 2,485 IPL figures including a century and 11 fifties in 103 matches at an average of 34.51, he offers proven class to rebuild the final T20 and stabilize the PBKS top order in his last order. Aligned with his tactical acumen and punjab leadership, cunning surfaces with the 2025 success rebuild. Entering the auction pool as a one-map prospect abroad, Smith can mentor youth while suffering injuries at high pressures.
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