Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up for one more robust marketing campaign within the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, and former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has already shared his imaginative and prescient for the group’s supreme taking part in XI. The previous batting coach of the Indian group believes PBKS possess a balanced squad able to competing for the playoffs this season, even when they start matches with solely three abroad gamers within the beginning lineup.
PBKS completed as runners-up in IPL 2025 after falling quick within the closing towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Regardless of the heartbreak, the franchise has retained the core of its squad and made a number of strategic additions on the IPL 2026 public sale to strengthen the group additional.
Punjab Kings retain core and add reinforcements on the public sale
Forward of the IPL 2026 season, Punjab Kings retained as many as 21 gamers, signaling their confidence within the squad that carried out impressively final 12 months. In the course of the public sale, they added Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey and Vishal Nishad to boost their bench energy.
Bangar feels the group’s stability and depth give them flexibility in relation to group combos. In keeping with him, the presence of high quality Indian gamers permits PBKS to rely much less closely on abroad cricketers whereas nonetheless sustaining a powerful lineup.
Talking throughout a dialogue on Star Sports activities, Bangar expressed confidence within the squad’s total steadiness and skill to carry out constantly all through the season.
“I’ve full perception that they’re a really robust contender to succeed in the playoffs. This squad has a lot capability that they will enter the bottom with three abroad as a taking part in XI,” Bangar stated.
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Sanjay Bangar’s most well-liked lineup for PBKS
Bangar outlined a batting order that blends aggressive younger expertise with skilled campaigners. He instructed that Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya ought to open the innings, offering an attacking begin on the high of the order.
Shreyas Iyer, who is anticipated to steer the aspect, slots in at quantity three to anchor the innings. Nehal Wadhera follows at quantity 4, whereas Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis offers energy within the center order at quantity 5. Shashank Singh, who impressed together with his ending talents final season, takes the quantity six spot in Bangar’s lineup.
“If I discuss concerning the batting order, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer at No. 3, Nehal Wadhera at No. 4, Marcus Stoinis at No. 5, after which Shashank Singh at No. 6,” Bangar defined.
Bangar additionally emphasised the energy of Punjab Kings’ bowling division. He positioned South African all-rounder Marco Jansen wwat quantity seven, adopted by spin-bowling all-rounder Harpreet Brar.
Veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal leads the spin assault, whereas Lockie Ferguson provides tempo and aggression with the brand new ball and on the demise. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh completes the bowling unit, bringing expertise and consistency.
Bangar additionally identified that the group can strengthen its bowling additional by together with a further abroad quick bowler relying on circumstances. Alternatively, Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai might be launched so as to add steadiness to the aspect.
Sanjay Bangar’s PBKS taking part in XI for IPL 2026: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh
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