Punjab Kings (PBKS) could make some important changes before IPL 2027. The team finished fifth in IPL 2026 with 15 points from 14 matches and missed the playoffs. PBKS have several good players, but the team still needs better balance and more backup options. The management could use the trade window and auction to improve the squad.
Here are five major changes Punjab Kings could make ahead of IPL 2027.
1. Strengthen the middle order
PBKS have Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis, but the team could still look for another reliable middle-order batter.
A player who can score quickly in the middle overs and finish matches would give PBKS more strength. The team could also look for an Indian batter so that its overseas slots can be used for other areas.
2. Add another quality fast bowler
Arshdeep Singh is one of PBKS’ main bowling options. The team also has players such as Lockie Ferguson, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur and Vijaykumar Vyshak. However, PBKS could add another experienced Indian fast bowler. This would give the team more options if a key pacer is injured or unavailable.
A strong pace attack could also help PBKS in the powerplay and at the death.
3. Find a backup for Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal remains an important spin option for PBKS. Harpreet Brar and Praveen Dubey provide further spin choices. Still, PBKS could look for another attacking spinner before IPL 2027. A quality backup would be useful if Chahal misses a match or struggles on a particular pitch.
An Indian spinner would be especially useful because it would not take up an overseas slot.
4. Build a stronger backup wicketkeeping option
Prabhsimran Singh is an important wicketkeeping option for PBKS, while Vishnu Vinod is also part of the squad. The franchise could still consider adding another wicketkeeper-batter. A player who can bat in the top or middle order would give the team more flexibility.
This could also help PBKS if they need to change their batting combination during the season.
5. Improve the bench strength
PBKS have many talented young players, including Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Harnoor Singh and Vishal Nishad. The team should give some of these players more opportunities and build a stronger backup group.
The auction could also be used to add experienced players who can step into the playing XI without weakening the team.
PBKS IPL 2026 Stats
| Team | Matches | Wins | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | 14 | — | 15 | 5th |
Punjab Kings Full Squad
Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Xavier Bartlett, Praveen Dubey, Lockie Ferguson, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Harnoor Singh, Yash Thakur, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Vishnu Vinod, Ben Dwarshuis, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen and Vishal Nishad.