Unburdened by their past, stronger and sharper PBKS eye the elusive prize

Strong getting stronger, aspiring to be the strongest.

Punjab Kings made minimal moves at the last auction, adding only three players to bolster the squad that reached the final the previous season. They focused on strengthening spin reserves, picking all-rounder Cooper Connolly as a replacement for Josh Inglis, alongside leg-spinners Praveen Dubey and Vishal Nishad. While these additions may not feature prominently in the starting XII, they provide necessary support to previously thin departments.

After over a decade of underachieving, the team found its identity in 2025, demonstrating resilience in various situations and winning close contests. They showed the ability to defend low scores and chase big totals with equal conviction.

The coaching partnership of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer has successfully translated their Delhi Capitals dynamic to PBKS, fostering a unit that delivers consistent performances without relying solely on star power. The team posted eight 200-plus totals last season, a rate surpassed only by Gujarat Titans, despite having just three internationally capped players in their top seven.

Probable XII: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Mitch Owen, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Strong Indian backups like Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harnoor Singh, and Vishnu Vinod provide depth, complemented by multiple all-round options in the overseas contingent.

Injury/Availability Watch

Lockie Ferguson will miss the early part of the tournament due to paternity leave. His return date is uncertain, but PBKS have at least eight other pace options, mitigating concerns over his absence.

What do they do better than most?

PBKS do not depend on any single player or phase to dominate. There is clear role clarity throughout the lineup. This strength begins with the young opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh and extends deep, with Marco Jansen potentially batting at No. 8, ensuring constant attacking depth. The squad also boasts capable backups for nearly every position.

A player that changes their ceiling: Shreyas Iyer

Last season, no batter scored more runs at a higher strike rate than Iyer’s 604 runs at 175.05. His improved game against pace, dominance against spin, and ability to control innings make him a vital middle-order cog. He is also the only Indian batter in the squad with international experience.

Critically, in a team without marquee stars, Iyer’s captaincy is instrumental. He is the only captain in IPL history to guide three different franchises to the final, maintaining a success rate of 58.69% over the last five seasons—a record surpassing those of Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni. Teams under his leadership have consistently excelled in pressure situations.

Potential Concern: Over-reliance on the openers

Last season, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya combined for 1,024 runs at a strike rate of 168.69, forming the competition's second-most destructive opening partnership. They powered the team's Indian batting core, which outperformed all others.

However, neither opener has set the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy alight this season, aside from a few standout performances. For a team reliant on its Indian batters, their form is crucial, as the uncapped players following them—Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, or Suryansh Shedge—have not had impressive domestic seasons either.

Player to Watch: Nehal Wadhera

Wadhera is one of only two left-handed options in PBKS's middle order (alongside Harnoor Singh), providing crucial matchup variety. He is a destructive player against spin in the middle overs. Although his recent Syed Mushtaq Ali season was not prolific, he has been refining his batting and developing his spin bowling to add value. If trusted, his contribution will be key to maintaining PBKS's attacking momentum.

The Opening Challenge: Facing Gujarat Titans

Despite recent success, PBKS have a poor home record, winning only five of their last 21 home games. Last season at the New Chandigarh Stadium, they won just two of five matches, contrasting sharply with a strong away record (only two losses in 11 games). Reversing their home fortunes is a priority, making a positive start to the campaign essential.