Punjab Kings (PBKS) are expected to retain their core Indian players, including Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal, ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. The franchise could also retain several overseas players while reviewing its bowling options.
PBKS finished fifth in IPL 2026, narrowly missing the playoffs by one point after a disappointing run in the second half of the season. Despite their inconsistent campaign, the franchise has a strong squad and may prefer a few changes rather than a complete overhaul before the next season.
Which Players Are Likely to Be Retained by Punjab Kings?
Punjab Kings are likely to retain Shreyas Iyer as captain of the side. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya are also expected to feature in the retention list after their contributions at the top of the order. Prabhsimran finished as PBKS's leading run-scorer in IPL 2026 with 510 runs.
Arshdeep Singh is likely to be a priority retention in the bowling department, while Yuzvendra Chahal provides experience in the spin department. Among the overseas players, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Cooper Connolly, and Xavier Bartlett could retain their places.
PBKS are also expected to retain domestic players such as Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Harnoor Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Pyla Avinash, Vishal Nishad, and Praveen Dubey.
Punjab Kings' predicted retained players list:
Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prabhsimran Singh, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Xavier Bartlett, Harnoor Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Pyla Avinash, Vishal Nishad, Praveen Dubey, and Arshdeep Singh.
Which PBKS Players Could Be Released Before IPL 2027?
The franchise could release Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis to create additional auction purse space. Fast bowlers Ben Dwarshuis and Lockie Ferguson could also be among the potential departures.
Among the Indian players, Nehal Wadhera could be another notable departure. Releasing the batter would free up ₹4.20 crore. Vishnu Vinod and Musheer Khan are also among the potential exits.
Mitchell Owen could join the list of released overseas players. The seven potential releases would free up ₹25.85 crore in total.
PBKS's predicted released players list:
Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Nehal Wadhera, Lockie Ferguson, Vishnu Vinod, Mitchell Owen, and Musheer Khan.
Also read: Delhi Capitals retained players list 2027: Predicted retentions ahead of IPL auction
How Punjab Kings Could Build Their Squad for the Next Season
Punjab Kings do not necessarily need a complete rebuild. However, the management will need to address a few weaknesses, particularly in the bowling department and middle order.
Finding another experienced Indian fast bowler to support Arshdeep Singh should be a priority. The franchise also needs dependable death-bowling options who can execute yorkers and variations under pressure.
Punjab Kings will also need to manage their overseas combination carefully. Retaining players with different skill sets and avoiding multiple overseas options competing for similar roles could help the franchise build a more balanced squad.
Meanwhile, the retention deadline for IPL 2027 is November 17, while the mini-auction is reportedly scheduled to take place on December 16, 2026, in Goa.
Also read: Rajasthan Royals retained players list 2027: Predicted retentions ahead of IPL auction
