4 players Punjab Kings (PBKS) can target in the IPL 2026 auction

IPL 2026 auction, set for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, promises high drama as teams like Punjab Kings finalize their squads with a remaining purse of ₹11.5 crore and four slots to fill, including two overseas spots. After retaining a 21-player core, PBKS aim to bolster their batting depth and middle-order stability following a strong IPL 2025 campaign. With intense bidding expected for explosive talents, Punjab Kings could target versatile performers to elevate their playoff push.

​5 players that Punjab Kings can go for in IPL 2026 mini auction

1. Josh Inglis

Australian Josh Inglis emerges as a prime overseas pick for PBKS, offering explosive top-order batting and reliable glovework with a T20 strike rate exceeding 156 across 30 matches, where he amassed 672 runs including a century. His recent T20 form, blending 68 fours and 24 sixes, suits Punjab’s aggressive powerplay strategy, despite limited IPL 2026 availability due to national duties. At a base price around ₹2 crore, Inglis could anchor the lineup while freeing up domestic keepers, addressing PBKS’s need for overseas balance.​

2. Cooper Connolly

Young Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly stands out with his BBL 2025 exploits for Perth Scorchers, scoring 351 runs at a 131.46 strike rate and claiming six wickets at 7.41 economy in 10 innings. His middle-order firepower, including two fifties, plus handy left-arm spin, makes him ideal for PBKS’s spin-friendly Mullanpur pitch and death-over versatility. As an uncapped overseas talent with Champions Trophy exposure, Connolly represents smart value to inject youth and multi-phase impact into Punjab’s squad.​

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3. Vishnu Vinod

Kerala’s hard-hitting wicketkeeper Vishnu Vinod brings List A pedigree, topping run charts with 508 runs at 63.50 average in 2019-20 Vijay Hazare, alongside Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 promise like 94 runs at 159 strike rate recently. Despite modest IPL returns of 56 runs in six games, his boundary-hitting prowess—sixes every 8.5 balls in domestic T20—fits PBKS’s finisher hunt at a budget uncapped price. Vinod’s glovework and Kerala consistency could provide depth behind retained options.​

4. Steve Smith

Steve Smith, with 2,485 IPL runs at 34.51 average including a century and 11 fifties across 103 matches, offers proven class to stabilize PBKS’s top order amid recent T20 resurgence. His tactical acumen and ability to anchor innings on tricky surfaces align with Punjab’s leadership rebuild post-2025 success. As a capped overseas batter entering the auction pool, Smith at reasonable cost could mentor youth while delivering in high-pressure chases.

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