IPL 2025 an important milestone for the season was marked kings of punjab (pbks). Under the able leadership of the captain Shreyas eats and the strategic leadership of the head coach Ricky pontingPbks reached the IPL final for the first time in ten years. This impressive turnaround exceeded the sense of optimism for the franchise, but with IPL 2026 Mini Auction Tooming, strategic staff restructuring seems inevitable. Given the ever-changing nature of the auction dynamics of T20 cricket and the IPL, PBKS is likely to drop a few players to make room for fresh talent and make room for weak areas in the squad. Here, we examine five players who could find themselves on the free list ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
The main players that can be released by PBKS in 2026
- Lockie Ferguson
Lockie FergusonDuring his time with the pbks this season, injuries limited his contributions on the field this season. New Zealand The fast bowler managed just five wickets in four matches at a costly economy rate. The injury history further clouds his future with the franchise as consistent fitness is critical for a bowler in his high-octane spin.
Ferguson’s raw pace and ability to turn matches with early breakthroughs makes 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 will free up a slot and some salary cap space targeting versatile bowlers who can deliver in death and power.
- Vijay Kumar Vyshak
Vijay Kumar VyshakEntry into the PBKS squad was driven by pom’s promising domestic records and ability to adapt to T20 cricket. But in 2025, IPL performances are below. Playing five matches, Vyshak took four wickets but struggled with his economy, averaging 10.65 runs per over.
Should PBKS decide to release Vyshak, it could be motivated by a desire to bring in fresh bowling options with more consistent performances or boost the youth pipeline. Vyshak has the skills to match the late ons, particularly through Yorkies and slower deliveries, and could attract interest from other franchises looking to add reliable seamers in the next auction.
Read: Delhi Capitals: 5 players can be released ahead of DC, IPL 2026 auction
- Vishnu vinod
Vishnu vinodan experienced WicketKeeper-corpse, failed to participate in any IPL matches in 2025. With 1,620 runs at an average of 31.15, including a century and eight fifties, he has the attacking skills to contend as a squad back-up or middle-order option.
The absence of Xi playing pbks offers a surplus in the team’s wicketkeeping options, especially with the presence of others Jonny Bairstow and Matthew short. If released, Vinod’s aggressive style and experience could interest teams looking for a backup or impact player capable of anchoring the innings in the lower middle order.
- Yash thakur
Yash thakurLimited opportunities this season put his long-term position in the Pbks in doubt. Despite his talent, Thakur managed just one wicket from two appearances with an economy of 12.15. His skill set of deceptively slow balls, accurate yorkers and lower order batting potential makes him a different place.
At an economy of 10.42 with 25 wickets in 21 IPLs, Thakur’s ability to adapt to different roles makes him an attractive option for franchises looking for a reliable seam bowler. PBKS may prefer to make room for a younger or more fast bowler to fill the missing links in the squad.
- Glenn Maxwell
Glenn MaxwellHis match-winning potential is well-recognised, but the 2025 season has not lived up to expectations. Playing just seven matches, Maxwell hit 48 runs and took four wickets before a broken finger crippled him. His inconsistent form and injury problems, despite his reputation as a powerful hitter and versatile spinner, may have influenced the release of PBKS to consider dropping Maxwell.
The franchise may prefer to use Maxwell’s release over more consistent performers to build a more balanced squad for IPL 2026. His all-round potential is valuable, but current form and injury setbacks could lead to a parting of ways.
As IPL 2026 approaches, the cumulative decisions in player retention and release will shape the whores of the franchise for seasons. PBKS’ strategic release of these five players signaled a calculated move to revamp the squad, aiming for continued success in the next edition. The auction is sure to witness a lively bidding war for some of these talents as well as excitement among cricket fans and franchise strategists.
Read: Mumbai Indians: 5 players MI can release ahead of IPL 2026 auction
