Kings of Punjab have had a wonderful journey in the IPL2025 season and we are now preparing for the next IPL 2026 Auction. The franchise faces important decisions regarding player retention, particularly focusing on which foreign players to retain to maintain a competitive advantage. Among the team’s international stars, three foreign players stand out as strong candidates for retention thanks to their consistent and impactful performances in IPL 2025.
Punjab Kings’ remarkable IPL 2025 campaign
Punjab Kings put up a remarkable performance in IPL 2025, making their first appearance in the final in 11 years. Led by Shreyas Iyer and guided by a coach Ricky PontingPBKS had a historic season with a strong winning record, winning 10 out of 17 matches. This is the most wins for the franchise in a single IPL season, underlining their dominance both at home and on the road. They progressed through tough qualifiers and reached the final, showing resilience and depth in their team. The team’s success was bolstered by significant contributions from notable players in the batting and bowling departments, supported by a mix of emerging and experienced talent from Indian and foreign players.
This remarkable run has positioned Punjab Kings as serious contenders for the IPL 2026 title, with the management looking to retain key performers to build a strong foundation. The strategy is focused on finding game-changing foreign players who can perform consistently under pressure and provide balance to the team.
3 Overseas Players PBKS Can Retain Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
1. Marco Jansen
The South African left-arm fast bowler, Marco Jansenhas been one of the most effective overseas players for PBKS in IPL 2025. In 14 matches, Jansen has taken 16 wickets at an average of 27.12 with an economy rate of 9.20. His ability to bowl closely in powerplays and death overs, along with his useful lower-order hitting (scoring 75 runs with a strike rate of 119.04), makes him a valuable overall asset. His consistent ability to take wickets, combined with his control in pressure situations, makes him a prime candidate to strengthen the bowling attack.
Also READ: Chennai Super Kings: 3 foreign players CSK can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction
2. Josh Inglis
Australian wicketkeeper batsmen Josh Inglis made a big impression during IPL 2025 with his aggressive style and reliability behind the stumps. Inglis scored 278 runs in 11 innings with a striking score of 162.57, including a top score of 73. His prowess in the top or middle order allows for aggressive starts and stabilizes the innings when needed. Additionally, his wicketkeeping skills add crucial balance to the team’s lineup, making him indispensable for PBKS’s future plans.
3. Azmatullah Omarzai
The Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been a promising contributor both with bat and ball. In 9 matches, he scored 57 runs at an average of 14.25 and a strike rate of 139.02, providing explosive lower-order strikes. His bowling was even more impactful, taking 8 wickets at an average of 34.87 with a decent strike rate of 20.2. Omarzai’s versatility as a medium-fast bowler and ability to provide breakthroughs adds depth and variety to the team, making him a wise retention choice as an overseas all-rounder capable of strengthening the team’s balance.
Punjab Kings should focus on retaining these three overseas players because of their all-round abilities, consistency and winning potential. Their retention will enable PBKS to maintain a competitive advantage while strategizing for its IPL 2026 auctions to complement these core assets with quality Indian talent and additional foreign players.
Also READ: Kolkata Knight Riders: 3 Foreign Players KKR Can Retain Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
