Punjab Kings Auction Strategy: Focus on 3 Australian stars ahead of IPL 2026 auction

IPL 2025 runner-up Punjab Kings (PBKS) are likely to make some changes for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. They could aim to strengthen their spin bowling department for the IPL 2026 campaign.

It is reported that the team management has shortlisted multiple Australian spinners, for whom they can put up the paddle during the mini auction. In the previous season, PBKS was mostly dependent on Yuzvendra Chahal for quality spin bowling. Apart from Chahal, Harpreet Brar and Afghanistan international Azmatullah Omarzai also played crucial roles.

Though Omarzai proved expensive. In 9 matches, the spin bowling all-rounder claimed 8 wickets at an economy rate of 10.33. Chahal began his IPL 2025 campaign in an unconventional manner but quickly bounced back. The experienced spinner took 16 wickets in 14 IPL 2025 games. But Harpreet Brar emerged as a surprising element. He got some scalps when the team needed those on immediate effect. He put 10 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 8.64. As there is always some to make some improvements, PBKS is expected to cash in for some players during the auction.

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Punjab Kings can target these players for IPL 2026 season

Unlike going for any star player, the franchise can rely on underrated talents, which they did in IPL 2025. According to reports, Tanveer Sangha, Mattew Kuhnemann, and Cooper Connolly are on the wishlist of PBKS. It is also reported that the management can release Pravin Dubey and Aaron Hardie ahead of IPL 2026. It will not be surprising to see Hardie out of the squad in the near future.

Hardie was not played by PBKS because he initially was not available for the start of the season due to international commitments and a shoulder injury. He became available for selection later, but he did not get any chance to perform on the field for PBKS. The team management acquired the service of the all-rounder for INR 1.25 Crore.