IPL 2026: 3 Players PBKS should release ahead of mini-auction

Punjab Kings (PBKS) enjoyed a brilliant campaign in IPL 2025 under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. For the first time since 2014, they reached the final, but their dream run ended in disappointment as they lost the title clash to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). 

Heading into the 2026 season, PBKS will aim to go one step further and finally lift their maiden IPL trophy. However, to strengthen their squad, a few players might be released before the mini-auction. The auction is reportedly to take place in Abu Dhabi in mid-December 2025.

Here are three players PBKS could release ahead of the 2026 season

1. Marcus Stoinis

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is known for his hard-hitting ability and versatility with the ball. However, his IPL 2025 season with PBKS was far from impressive. With the bat, Stoinis scored only 160 runs in 11 innings at an average of 26.66, though he maintained a healthy strike rate of 186.04. 

With the ball, he managed just one wicket in nine innings while conceding runs at an economy rate of 12.35. Considering his poor all-round performance, PBKS may choose to release Stoinis ahead of IPL 2026 and look for a more consistent overseas all-rounder.

2. Glenn Maxwell

Another Australian star who struggled for PBKS in 2025 was Glenn Maxwell. Famous for his explosive batting and useful off-spin, Maxwell could not make an impact with either bat or ball. He scored only 48 runs in six innings, averaging 8.00 with a strike rate of 97.95. 

With the ball, he picked up four wickets in six innings at an economy rate of 8.46. Unfortunately, his season ended early after suffering a broken finger. Even if fit for the next season, PBKS might consider releasing him and opting for a more reliable and in-form overseas option ahead of IPL 2026.

3. Suryansh Shedge

PBKS fans had high hopes for Suryansh Shedge after his strong performance in Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024/25 campaign, where he even won the Player of the Match award in the final. Known for his big-hitting skills, expectations were high for him to shine in the IPL.

However, he could not deliver on that promise. In three innings, Suryansh scored only seven runs. With the ball, he bowled three overs in one game, conceding 40 runs at an economy rate of 13.33 without taking a wicket. Given his lack of impact, PBKS are likely to release him before IPL 2026 and search for a more effective Indian all-rounder.

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