Punjab Kings
Sadda Punjab - The Eternal Optimists Seeking Glory
Sadda Punjab - The Eternal Optimists Seeking Glory
| # | Player | Role | Nationality | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shreyas Iyer | BAT | India | Captain, Middle-order Anchor |
| 2 | Jonny Bairstow | WK | England | Opener, Keeper-Batsman |
| 3 | Prabhsimran Singh | WK | India | Aggressive Opener |
| 4 | Shashank Singh | BAT | India | Power Middle-order |
| 5 | Atharva Taide | BAT | India | Left-handed Batsman |
| 6 | Jitesh Sharma | WK | India | Finisher, Backup Keeper |
| 7 | Sam Curran | ALL | England | Left-arm Pace Allrounder |
| 8 | Harshal Patel | BOWL | India | Death Bowling Specialist |
| 9 | Arshdeep Singh | BOWL | India | Left-arm Pace, India Star |
| 10 | Rahul Chahar | BOWL | India | Leg-spinner |
| 11 | Vidwath Kaverappa | BOWL | India | Young Fast Bowler |
Originally Kings XI Punjab (2008-2020), the franchise rebranded to Punjab Kings in 2021. Despite having featured legendary players like Adam Gilchrist, Kumar Sangakkara, David Miller, Glenn Maxwell, and Chris Gayle over the years, the elusive IPL trophy has never made its way to Mohali. The 2014 season saw them reach the final under George Bailey, but they fell to KKR in the title match.
The appointment of Shreyas Iyer as captain signals PBKS's intent to finally break through. Iyer, who led KKR to the 2024 title, brings a winning mentality and experience that PBKS have long craved. Combined with Arshdeep Singh's emergence as one of India's premier T20 bowlers and Sam Curran's all-round brilliance, PBKS hope that 2026 is the year they finally write their own championship story.
Fellow Punjabis Arshdeep Singh and Shubman Gill have a friendly rivalry. Arshdeep's left-arm swing against Gill's classical technique creates a compelling contest. Arshdeep's ability to move the new ball both ways could trouble even Gill's impeccable technique in the powerplay.
Two explosive all-rounders going head-to-head when PBKS face KKR. Curran's left-arm pace and handy batting versus Russell's raw power and medium-pace bowling. Both can single-handedly win matches, making this a battle of game-changers.
Shreyas Iyer facing his former teams KKR and DC will carry extra emotion. His knowledge of those squads' strengths and weaknesses could give PBKS tactical advantages, while those teams will be equally motivated to prove they don't miss their former captain.
Harshal Patel's slower ball variations are his trademark weapon at the death. His matchups against power-hitters like David Miller (GT), Andre Russell (KKR), and Heinrich Klaasen (SRH) will be tactical battles of deception vs brute force that could decide tight finishes.