IPL 2026: Punjab Kings - Know Your Players

IPL 2026: Punjab Kings - Know Your Players

Punjab Kings (PBKS) didn’t just dip into the IPL 2026 (get your favourite jerseys) mini-auction, they executed a masterclass in precision spending. With ruthless clarity and intent, they transformed a strong 2025 runners-up squad into an even more formidable unit.

Operating with a purse of ₹11.5 crore, PBKS strategically unleashed ₹8 crore to snap up 4 high-impact players, zeroing in on exactly what they needed, elite all-round depth. The headline grabs? Australian dynamo Cooper Connolly (₹3 crore) and the ever-reliable Ben Dwarshuis (₹4.4 crore), two signings that instantly elevate their balance and firepower. And, also a couple of young signings in Pravin Dubey (₹30 L), and Vishal Nishad (₹30 L).

HARNOOR PANNU

Harnoor Singh Pannu is a stylish left-handed top-order batter known for his ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed, with the added skill of part-time leg-spin. He first gained national attention during India’s victorious 2022 ICC U-19 World Cup campaign, where he emerged as a dependable run-scorer.

Since returning to represent Punjab, Harnoor has enjoyed a strong run across formats. He marked his First-Class debut for the state with a composed 170 off 343 balls, displaying remarkable patience and temperament. Carrying that form into white-ball cricket in 2025-26, he scored a fluent 115 in List A cricket and piled up 578 runs, including 33 sixes, in a leading domestic T20 competition.

Punjab Kings signed him for ₹30 lakh in the 2025 auction, backing his top-order potential. Heading into IPL 2026, he is seen as a long-term asset capable of providing stability at the top, allowing the middle order to play with greater freedom.

SURYANSH SHEDGE Suryansh Shedge is a rising Indian batting all-rounder who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket. A right-handed lower-order finisher, he is known for his fearless hitting and ability to accelerate in the death overs, while also contributing with useful medium pace.

He shot to prominence during Mumbai’s title-winning run in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he struck at an incredible strike-rate of 251.92. His standout moments included a blistering 12-ball 36 in the quarter-final to seal a tense chase, followed by an unbeaten 36 off 15 balls in the final against Madhya Pradesh.

Punjab Kings picked him up for ₹30 lakh in the 2025 mega auction, recognizing his potential as a high-impact finisher. He made his IPL debut the same season, featuring in five games, and has since been retained by the franchise as a promising asset for IPL 2026.

VISHAL NISHAD

Vishal Nishad comes from a very humble background. Nishad worked as a labourer helping his father, a mason. From there, relentless hard work, sacrifice, and now the IPL. Nishad has earned it and how. The young mystery spinner from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh has rapidly progressed from local tennis-ball cricket to the professional stage. A right-arm wrist spinner, he relies on a deceptive release, a sharp carrom ball, and varied deliveries that make him tough to read.

Though yet to make his senior debut for Uttar Pradesh, his raw talent and mystery factor have marked him out as an exciting prospect. Punjab Kings secured the 20-year-old for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction, backing him as a high-upside developmental pick who could add an unpredictable edge to their spin attack in the future.

Which of these stars will get a chance in IPL 2026? And, can Punjab Kings follow-up last year's run with a title this season? Comment and tell us which side you're rooting for.