Punjab Kings have had a tremendous run in the IPL 2025 season and are now gearing up for the upcoming IPL 2026 auction. The franchise is faced with important decisions about player retention, particularly focusing on which overseas players to retain to maintain a competitive edge. Among the international stars in the squad, three overseas players stand out as strong candidates for retention thanks to their consistent and impactful performances during IPL 2025.
Punjab Kings’ remarkable IPL 2025 campaign
Punjab Kings showcased a remarkable performance in the IPL 2025, making their first finals appearance in 11 years. Led by Shreyas Iyer and guided by coach Ricky Ponting, PBKS achieved a landmark season with a strong winning record, securing 10 victories out of their 17 matches. This was the highest number of wins for the franchise in a single IPL season, underscoring their dominance both at home and on the road. They advanced through tough qualifiers and reached the finals, displaying resilience and depth in their squad. The team’s success was bolstered by significant contributions from notable players across batting and bowling departments, supported by a blend of emerging and experienced talents from both Indian and overseas players.
This standout run has positioned Punjab Kings as serious contenders for the IPL 2026 title, with management looking to retain key performers to build a strong foundation. The strategy centres on securing game-changing overseas players who can deliver consistently under pressure and provide balance to the squad.
3 overseas players PBKS can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction
1. Marco Jansen
The South African left-arm fast bowler, Marco Jansen, has been one of PBKS’s most effective overseas players in IPL 2025. Over 14 matches, Jansen took 16 wickets at an average of 27.12 with an economy rate of 9.20. His ability to bowl tightly in the powerplay and death overs alongside his useful lower-order hitting (scoring 75 runs at a strike rate of 119.04) makes him a valuable all-round asset. His consistent wicket-taking ability combined with his control in pressure situations marks him as a prime retention candidate to strengthen the bowling attack.
2. Josh Inglis
Australian wicketkeeper-batters Josh Inglis has made a strong impression in IPL 2025 with his aggressive style and reliability behind the stumps. Inglis scored 278 runs in 11 innings at a striking 162.57, including a top score of 73. His prowess at the top or middle order provides aggressive starts and stabilizes the innings when needed. Furthermore, his wicket-keeping skills add crucial balance to the team composition, making him indispensable for PBKS’s future plans.
3. Azmatullah Omarzai
The Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been a promising contributor with both bat and ball. In 9 matches, he scored 57 runs at an average of 14.25 and a strike rate of 139.02, offering explosive lower-order hitting. His bowling has been even more impactful, taking 8 wickets at an average of 34.87 with a decent strike rate of 20.2. Omarzai’s versatility as a medium-fast bowler and his ability to provide breakthroughs add depth and variety to the team, making him a sensible retention choice as an overseas all-rounder who can strengthen the squad’s balance.
Punjab Kings are expected to focus on retaining these three overseas players due to their all-round capabilities, consistency, and match-winning potential. Their retention will allow PBKS to maintain a competitive edge while strategizing their IPL 2026 auction to complement these core assets with quality Indian talent and additional overseas players.
