IPL auction 2026 PBKS: Punjab Kings buy Cooper Connolly, check complete players list, final bids

Punjab Kings walk into the IPL 2026 mini-auction at a familiar crossroads, close enough to fixing long-standing issues, yet just one poor call away from another expensive miscalculation. With only four slots to fill and a purse that allows for decisive action, PBKS are not rebuilding this time. Instead, the auction represents a chance to define a clear identity. The key question is whether they finally opt for balance and match-up clarity, or once again lean into high-risk choices in search of instant payoff.

The franchise’s requirements are no secret. Punjab Kings are actively targeting an explosive middle-order batter, reliable wicketkeeping cover, and an additional Indian bowling option to strengthen depth. These needs reflect gaps that have repeatedly hurt them in crunch moments over recent seasons.

In terms of current status, Punjab Kings have retained 21 players and released five ahead of the auction — Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen and Pravin Dubey. Their retained core includes Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar.


Punjab enter the auction with ₹11.50 crore in their purse, four slots to fill and two overseas positions still vacant. That combination gives them enough flexibility to make targeted, high-impact additions, without the need for sweeping changes, provided they get their calls right this time.

Punjab Kings' squad:

• Cooper Connolly (Rs 3 crore)
• Ben Dwarshuis (bought for Rs 4.40 crore)
• Vishal Nishad (bought for Rs 30 lakh)
• Pravin Dubey (bought for Rs 30 lakh)

• Arshdeep Singh
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Harnoor Pannu
• Harpreet Brar
• Lockie Ferguson
• Marco Jansen
• Marcus Stoinis
• Mitch Owen
• Musheer Khan
• Nehal Wadhera
• Prabhsimran Singh
• Priyansh Arya
• Pyla Avinash
• Shashank Singh
• Shreyas Iyer
• Suryansh Shedge
• Vishnu Vinod
• Vyshak Vijaykumar
• Xavier Bartlett
• Yash Thakur
• Yuzvendra Chahal