The Punjab Kings had a breakthrough Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, finally breaking their long-standing playoff drought and making it all the way to the final – their first appearance in over a decade. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS topped the league table with eight wins and 19 points from 14 matches, showcasing consistency and resilience throughout the tournament.
However, despite the successful campaign, the franchise has its sights set on changes ahead of the IPL 2026 auction with two big names likely on the chopping block.
Indian Core Shines, Overseas Stars Falter
Punjab’s resurgence this season was largely powered by their strong Indian batting core. Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and skipper Shreyas Iyer formed a reliable middle and top order that delivered in key moments. Their performances gave PBKS a strong domestic base something that had been lacking in previous years.
But while the Indian contingent stood tall, the overseas recruits – particularly Marcus Stoinis and Yuzvendra Chahal – failed to deliver consistently. Both veterans had their moments of brilliance but struggled when it mattered most.
Now, with the IPL 2026 auction on the horizon, the franchise is reportedly looking to release both players – freeing up a massive Rs 29 crore from their salary purse Rs 11 crore for Stoinis and Rs 18 crore for Chahal).
Marcus Stoinis Fails to Find Rhythm With Bat or Ball
Much was expected from Marcus Stoinis after his high-profile signing, but the Australian all-rounder couldn’t quite justify his price tag. Used primarily in the lower middle order, Stoinis rarely had the opportunity to build an innings. While he did provide a few explosive cameos – including a 34 off 11 balls and a quickfire 44 off 16 – his overall return was underwhelming: just 160 runs in 14 matches, averaging 26.66.
His struggles were particularly apparent against leg-spin, where he managed just 10 runs in five innings, losing his wicket twice and averaging a dismal 5.00 with a strike rate of 76.9.
With the ball, Stoinis offered little impact. Bowling just 14 overs across the season, he picked up a solitary wicket at an average of 175 and a staggering economy of 12.35.
His poor form extended beyond the IPL. In the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) season, Stoinis managed just 109 runs at a modest average of 13.62, along with eight wickets at an economy rate of 9.42. For a player commanding such a high fee, his returns fell well below expectations.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Bright Flashes in an Inconsistent Campaign
Yuzvendra Chahal, the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, had his highs in IPL 2025 – including a hat-trick against Chennai Super Kings and a match-winning four-wicket haul against Kolkata Knight Riders. That KKR performance, in particular, was historic, helping Punjab defend the lowest team total in IPL history (111).
Yet, those standout moments were too few and far between. Chahal finished the season with 16 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.87 and an economy of 9.55 – decent figures, but not enough to carry the attack in crunch moments.
To make matters worse, a wrist injury ruled him out of three crucial group-stage matches, and his poor run continued in the 2025 County Championship, where his returns included figures like 0/129 and 0/175.
At 35, Chahal’s age and declining consistency have become key concerns for Punjab. The franchise may look to invest in a younger Indian spinner or consider an overseas leg-spinner to fill the void.
Big Decisions Ahead for Punjab Kings
Letting go of two experienced players like Stoinis and Chahal won’t be easy, but it might be a necessary step as PBKS looks to build a more balanced and future-ready squad. Releasing them would free up a massive Rs 29 crore – funds that could be redirected to strengthen other areas of the team.
After an inspiring 2025 campaign, the Kings will be keen to build on their momentum. The focus now shifts to smart recruitment, team balance, and ensuring that their overseas picks offer better value and impact in the seasons to come.
