IPL 2026: 5 PBKS Players who might be released ahead of mini auction

Punjab Kings (PBKS) had a fantastic run in IPL 2025 under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy. For the first time since 2014, they qualified for the final. Unfortunately, they lost the title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Now, going into the 2026 season, PBKS will look to cross the finish line and secure their maiden IPL trophy. But for that, several players might be released.     

Here are the 5 PBKS Players who might be released ahead of the mini auction 

1. Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder, carries a strong reputation as a powerful hitter who can deliver quick runs both in the top and lower middle order. With the ball, too, he has often proven to be a useful option. However, in IPL 2025, for PBKS, he struggled to make any significant impact in either department.

With the bat, he managed just 160 runs in 11 innings, averaging 26.66, though he maintained a healthy strike rate of 186.04. In nine innings, he picked up only one wicket while conceding runs at an economy of 12.35. Given his underwhelming performance in that season, Stoinis is now most likely to be released by the franchise ahead of IPL 2026.   

2. Glenn Maxwell

Another established Australian all-rounder who failed to deliver for PBKS in the 2025 season was Glenn Maxwell. Known for his power-hitting and ability to win games singlehandedly, Maxwell is also capable of providing handy overs with his spin. But, he struggled in both departments.

With the bat, he managed only 48 runs in six innings, averaging just 8.00 with a strike rate of 97.95. With the ball, he fared slightly better, picking up four wickets in six innings at an economy of 8.46. However, a broken finger ruled him out of the tournament midway.

Even if fully fit and available next season, there remains a strong possibility that PBKS may release Maxwell ahead of IPL 2026 and search for more consistent options.

3. Yash Thakur

The 26-year-old Indian pacer had a horrible outing in IPL 2025. PBKS showed faith in his ability for only two matches. In those games, Yash Thakur picked up just one wicket while conceding 79 runs in 6.3 overs, at an economy of 12.15. After those two matches, the franchise did not consider him further, and that lack of trust might lead to his release ahead of IPL 2026.

4. Suryansh Shedge

When PBKS secured the services of Suryansh Shedge, their fans were excited. Suryansh had played a key role in Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024/25 triumph, even winning the Player of the Match award in the final. Given his reputation as a powerful hitter, expectations were high for him to deliver in the IPL.

However, he failed to live up to those expectations. In three innings, he managed only seven runs with the bat. With the ball, he bowled just one innings, conceding 40 runs in three overs at an economy of 13.33 without a single wicket. Considering this, it is highly likely that the franchise might release him ahead of IPL 2026.   

5. Kyle Jamieson

This Kiwi pacer, Kyle Jamieson, came in as an injury replacement for fellow New Zealander Lockie Ferguson in IPL 2025. In four matches, he picked up five wickets at an economy rate of 9.80. However, with Ferguson expected to be fit and available for the upcoming season, Jamieson is likely to be released ahead of IPL 2026.

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