5 PBKS players who can be match-winners in IPL 2026

Published - 22 Mar 2026, 18:14 IST | Updated - 22 Mar 2026, 18:14 IST

Punjab Kings were one of the teams to watch out for last season, making it to the finals but just falling short. A brilliant season for Shreyas Iyer’s men was followed up in the auction with the retention of the same core, with additions around it to fill gaps in the squad.

They possess highly talented players, who have been put in roles that maximise their strengths under Australian great Ricky Ponting. Keeping their system from the previous season alive, they will be looking to go one step further and finally lift their first IPL trophy.

Punjab Kings gave a young Priyansh Arya a spot at the top of the order right from the start of the 2025 season. This faith was repaid in full by the dashing Delhi opener, who amassed 475 runs at a blistering strike rate of 179.24. That season he also made the third-fastest century by an Indian in the IPL, scoring a hundred off just 39 balls against the Chennai Super Kings.

His returns in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy were decent, with 197 runs at a strike rate of 155.11, ad he has showed the ability to be a reliable presence for the Punjab Kings. His brilliant shot-making ensures the Punjab Kings will be able to start their batting innings on the front foot with fast starts.