In the two decades of the IPL, Punjab Kings are one of the two sides from the original eight franchises that are yet to win the league. They came close twice. The first time was in 2014 under George Bailey’s captaincy. Then they had to wait 11 years to make it to the final once more, this time with Shreyas Iyer in charge. 

Last year the side began the campaign with six wins from its first seven games, with one washed-out affair versus Kolkata Knight Riders. At that stage of the tournament, the side was placed at the top of the table before sliding down the table with six successive losses. Winning over Lucknow in the final league game of the season didn’t help them, as PBKS finished fifth in the table and missed out on a playoff. 

Heading into the 2027 season, the side has already acquired the services of Hardik Pandya in a bid to win the title. The 33-year-old has a point to prove after three underwhelming years with Mumbai Indians. The all-rounder has also won five titles, four as a player and one as a captain, and will play a key role in Punjab’s upcoming campaign. 

Here are the five players Punjab Kings could release

5- Nehal Wadhera

The 26-year-old had a decent 2025 season since his move back home to Punjab after two seasons with Mumbai. The southpaw scored 369 runs from 16 games but managed just 65 runs from eight games in the 2026 campaign. The franchise could release him and look for a better player who can show more consistency with the bat. 

4- Musheer Khan 

The 21-year-old has mainly warmed the benches and played just one game since he was picked by the side ahead of the 2025 season. Musheer Khan could very well be released by the side ahead of the next auction. It wouldn’t be a bad move as the player could get more game time away from the Kings. 

3- Michell Owen 

Considered a hot prospect in Australian cricket, the 25-year-old Mitchell Owen came to the IPL on the back of his amazing performances in the Big Bash League. The all-rounder has been able to play just one game without scoring a run and has mainly been a bystander.

2- Vijaykumar Vyshak

The 29-year-old Vijaykumar Vyshak played ten games last season and managed to pick up nine wickets. The pacer might have done well on paper, but his economy rate of 10.64 in the 2025 and 2026 seasons will be a huge cause of concern. Punjab could target another player in the auction.

1- Lockie Ferguson 

Veteran New Zealand star Lockie Ferguson is no longer the same bowler he was just a few years ago. The 35-year-old moved to PBKS ahead of the 2025 season and since then has played seven games for the side and claimed six wickets. Ferguson played three games last year and got just one wicket at an economy rate of 12.81. The pacer has also faced several fitness issues in the last few years, which makes him a prime candidate to be released.