IPL2025 the season marked an important milestone for Kings of Punjab (PBKS). Under the competent direction of the captain Shreyas Iyer and strategic advice from the head coach Ricky PontingPBKS reached the IPL final for the first time in a decade. This impressive turnaround has sparked a sense of optimism for the franchise, but with the IPL 2026 mini-auction imminent, the strategic restructuring of teams seems inevitable. Given the ever-changing nature of T20 cricket and the auction dynamics of the IPL, PBKS is likely to release several players to create space for new talent and strengthen the weaker areas of the team. Here, we explore five players who could find themselves on the release list ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Key players likely to be released by PBKS in 2026
- Lockie Ferguson
Lockie Ferguson‘s tenure with PBKS this season was marred by injuries, limiting his contributions on the field. New Zealand Fast Bowler has managed just five wickets in four matches with a costly economy rate of 9.16. His injury history further clouds his future with the franchise as consistent fitness is essential for bowlers in the high-octane IPL.
Ferguson’s raw pace and ability to turn games around with early breakthroughs make him an attractive prospect for several franchises, but PBKS might prefer to cut their losses to focus on more reliable options in upcoming auctions. His release would free up a roster spot and some salary cap space, allowing PBKS to target versatile bowlers capable of delivering lethal overs and powerplays.
- Vijay Kumar Vyshak
Vijay Kumar Vyshak‘s inclusion in the PBKS squad was driven by his promising domestic record and ability to adapt to T20 cricket. However, his IPL performances in 2025 have been disappointing. Playing five matches, Vyshak took four wickets but struggled with his economy, finishing at 10.65 runs per over.
If PBKS decides to release Vyshak, it could be driven by a desire to introduce new bowling options with more consistent performances or strengthen their youth pipeline. Vyshak has skills suited to late deliveries, particularly via yorkers and slower deliveries, and could attract interest from other franchises looking to add reliable seamers in the upcoming auction.
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- Vishnu Vinod
Vishnu Vinodan experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, has not featured in any IPL matches in 2025. With a T20 record of 1,620 runs at an average of 31.15, including one century and eight fifties, Vinod has attacking batting skills that could suit well as a team backup or middle-order option.
His absence from the PBKS playing XI suggests a surplus in the team’s wicketkeeping options, especially with the presence of others like Johnny Bairstow And Matthew Court. If released, Vinod’s aggressive style and experience could interest teams looking for a backup or impact player who can anchor the innings in the lower middle order.
- Yash Thakur
Yash ThakurThis season’s limited opportunities call into question his long-term position at PBKS. Despite his talent, Thakur took only one wicket in two appearances, at an economy of 12.15. His skills – deceptive slower balls, accurate yorkers and lower-order batting potential – make him an asset elsewhere.
With 25 wickets in 21 IPL matches at an economy of 10.42, Thakur’s ability to adapt to different roles makes him an attractive choice for franchises looking for a reliable bowler. PBKS might opt to release him to make room for younger or more established fast bowlers to fill in the missing links in the team.
- Glenn Maxwell
Glenn MaxwellThe game-winning potential is well recognized, but his 2025 season has not lived up to expectations. Playing only seven matches, Maxwell scored just 48 runs and took four wickets before a broken finger sidelined him. His inconsistent form and injury problems could prompt PBKS to consider releasing Maxwell, despite his reputation as a power hitter and all-round spinner.
The franchise might prefer to use funds from Maxwell’s exit on more consistent performers in order to build a more balanced squad for IPL 2026. While his overall abilities remain valuable, his current form and injury setbacks could lead to a split.
As IPL 2026 approaches, the cumulative decisions regarding player retention and release will shape the franchise’s fortunes for seasons to come. The strategic release of these five players by PBKS signals a calculated move to refresh the team, aiming for sustained success in the next edition. The auction will no doubt witness a heated bidding war for some of these talents, fueling the excitement of cricket fans and franchise strategists.
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