PBKS' IPL 2026 Auction Strategy: The 2025 IPL season’s runners-up Punjab Kings, formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, have been a franchise defined by resilience, bold decisions, and flashes of brilliance since their entry into the Indian Premier League in 2008.
The franchise underwent a major rebranding in 2021, changing their name to Punjab Kings, signaling a fresh start. Over the years, PBKS have reached two IPL finals in 2014 and 2025 - falling just short of lifting the coveted trophy on both occasions. The 2014 season, under coach Sanjay Bangar and captain George Bailey, saw Punjab top the league table but lose narrowly to Kolkata Knight Riders in the final. The 2025 campaign brought renewed hope as Ricky Ponting took over as head coach and Shreyas Iyer led the team, guiding PBKS to their first final in 11 years.
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Struggles for PBKS
Punjab’s journey has not been without challenges. Early struggles, including the near-expulsion in 2010 and multiple unstable seasons, tested the franchise’s core. Despite this, PBKS have frequently made headlines with daring auction strategies, signing marquee players and making surprising picks that reflect their ambition to transform potential into championship success.
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Also Read: IPL 2026 Auction: Why RCB should bring Glenn Maxwell back to Bengaluru – What’s the strategy behind?
What goes for upcoming IPL 2026?
Looking ahead to the IPL 2026 auction, Punjab Kings are expected to continue their trend of bold and strategic acquisitions. With a strong batting line-up already in place, the focus will likely be on adding depth in bowling and versatile all-rounders to ensure the team can go one step further and finally claim their maiden IPL title. The franchise’s history of taking calculated risks suggests that fans can expect another exciting auction window filled with game-changing signings.
Punjab Kings’ journey is a testament to patience, strategic thinking, and the belief that consistent planning combined with bold moves can eventually turn dreams into reality. IPL 2026 could very well be the season where the franchise’s long-standing ambition becomes a championship triumph.
Punjab King’s most expensive players in every IPL auction season:
| Season | Player | Price (crore) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Irfan Pathan | 3.8 |
| 2009 | Luke Pomersbach | 1.8 |
| 2010 | Irfan Pathan | 1.9 |
| 2011 | Adam Gilchrist | 4.14 |
| 2011 | Dinesh Karthik | 4.14 |
| 2012 | Adam Gilchrist | 4.5 |
| 2013 | Manpreet Gony | 4.43 |
| 2014 | Mitchell Johnson | 6.5 |
| 2015 | Murali Vijay | 3 |
| 2016 | Mohit Sharma | 6.5 |
| 2017 | T Natarajan | 3 |
| 2018 | KL Rahul | 11 |
| 2019 | Varun Chakaravarthy | 8.4 |
| 2020 | Glenn Maxwell | 10.75 |
| 2021 | Jhye Richardson | 14 |
| 2022 | Liam Livingstone | 11.5 |
| 2023 | Sam Curran | 18.5 |
| 2024 | Harshal Patel | 11.75 |
| 2025 | Shreyas Iyer | 26.75 |