The Punjab Kings have officially assembled their 25-player roster for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The franchise finalised their squad during the recent mini-auction, strategically utilising a significant portion of their budget to secure four key players, including two capped internationals and two uncapped talents.
Strategic Spending at the Mini-Auction
The Kings entered the auction with a total purse of Rs 11.5 crore and decided to invest Rs 8 crore to strengthen their lineup. Their most notable and expensive purchase was Australian left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis, acquired for a substantial Rs 4.40 crore. Dwarshuis is valued not only for his pace bowling but also for his ability to contribute quick runs as a lower-order power hitter.
The bidding action commenced with the Kings securing young Australian batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly for Rs 3 crore after a competitive tussle with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The 22-year-old brings promising domestic experience, having played 26 matches in the Big Bash League (BBL) where he scored 636 runs at an average of 39.75.
Captain Iyer's Insight on the New Signings
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer shared his thoughts on the acquisition of Connolly, revealing the team's thought process. "Honestly, he wasn't there in our mind at the start, but as we brainstormed and narrowed down our options, we realised he fit the position perfectly," Iyer stated, drawing from his experience of facing Connolly in Australia.
Iyer praised the all-rounder's temperament and finishing skills, qualities he deemed crucial for the IPL. He also expressed surprise at the final price, adding, "We didn't think we would get him for 3, we actually predicted his price would be much higher." Connolly's standout BBL season was in 2024/25, where he amassed 351 runs in 10 matches at an average of 50.14. He made his T20I debut for Australia against Scotland in September 2024 and has played six international matches so far.
Bolstering the Domestic Core
Beyond the international signings, the Punjab Kings management also focused on reinforcing their Indian contingent. They made a savvy move by re-signing experienced spinner Pravin Dubey at his base price of Rs 1 lakh. Dubey is expected to provide vital backup to the primary spin attack led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar.
Adding to the domestic youth potential, the franchise picked up promising young talent Vishal Nishad at his base price of Rs 30 lakh. This signing underscores the team's strategy of building a strong core of Indian players for both immediate impact and long-term development.
With these four acquisitions, the Punjab Kings have filled all slots in their 25-player squad for IPL 2026. The blend of expensive international talent like Dwarshuis and Connolly with cost-effective domestic options reflects a balanced auction strategy aimed at addressing specific team needs ahead of the new season.
