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IPL 2025 season marked a significant milestone for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Under the capable leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer and the strategic guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting, PBKS reached the IPL final for the first time in a decade. This impressive turnaround has instilled a sense of optimism for the franchise, but with the IPL 2026 mini auction looming, strategic squad restructuring appears inevitable. Given the ever-changing nature of T20 cricket and the IPL’s auction dynamics, PBKS is likely to release several players to create space for fresh talent and bolster weaker areas of the squad. Here, we explore five players who might find themselves on the releasing 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 managed just five wickets in four matches with an expensive economy rate of 9.16. His injury history further clouds his future with the franchise, as consistent fitness is critical for bowlers in the high-octane IPL.
Ferguson’s raw pace and ability to turn matches 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 the upcoming auction. His release would free up a slot and some salary cap space, enabling PBKS to target versatile bowlers who can deliver in death overs and powerplays.
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
Vijaykumar 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 were underwhelming. Playing five matches, Vyshak took four wickets but struggled with his economy—finishing at 10.65 runs per over.
If PBKS decide to release Vyshak, it could be motivated by a desire to bring in fresh bowling options with more consistent performances or to bolster their youth pipeline. Vyshak has skills suited for late overs, especially through yorkers and slower deliveries, and might attract interest from other franchises looking to add reliable seamers in the next auction.
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- Vishnu Vinod
Vishnu Vinod, an experienced wicketkeeper-batter, failed to feature in any IPL games during 2025. With a T20 record boasting 1,620 runs at an average of 31.15, including a century and eight fifties, Vinod possesses attacking batting skills that could fit well as a squad 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 Jonny Bairstow and Matthew Short. If released, Vinod’s aggressive style and experience could interest teams searching for a backup or impact player capable of anchoring innings in the lower middle order.
- Yash Thakur
Yash Thakur’s limited opportunities this season question his long-term position at PBKS. Despite his talent, Thakur managed just one wicket from two appearances, with an economy of 12.15. His skill set—deceptive slower balls, accurate yorkers, and lower-order batting potential—makes 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 appealing pick for franchises seeking a reliable seam bowler. PBKS may opt to release him to make room for younger or more established fast bowlers to fill the squad’s missing links.
- Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell’s potential to be a match-winner is well-recognized, but his 2025 season did not live up to expectations. Playing only seven matches, Maxwell scored a mere 48 runs and managed four wickets before a broken finger sidelined him. His inconsistent form and injury concerns could influence PBKS to consider releasing Maxwell, despite his reputation as a powerful hitter and versatile spinner.
The franchise might prefer to use the funds from Maxwell’s release on more consistent performers to build a more balanced squad for IPL 2026. While his all-round capabilities remain valuable, his current form and injury setbacks might lead to a parting of ways.
As IPL 2026 approaches, the cumulative decisions on player retention and release will shape the franchise’s fortunes for seasons to come. PBKS’s strategic release of these five players signals a calculated move to refresh the squad, aiming for sustained success in the next edition. The auction will undoubtedly witness a lively bidding war for some of these talents, fueling excitement among cricket fans and franchise strategists alike.
Also READ: Mumbai Indians: 5 players MI can release ahead of IPL 2026 auction
