Now, Punjab Kings is looking like they’re gonna need a squad rebuild after failing to make IPL 2026 playoffs! Though they reached the finals in IPL 2025 and started the season quite strong, Shreyas Iyer’s team very much struggled in the second half of the 2026 tournament. Now that the IPL 2027 auction is fast approaching, the franchise needs a major overhaul if they want to make it back to finals again. Below, you’ll find our predicted five players who could be leaving the squad before the auction in November 17.
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IPL 2027 Auction: 5 PBKS Players Who Could Be Released
In all honesty, PBKS need to make major decisions before the upcoming season. They have had some expensive overseas signings and Indian players that have struggled for playing opportunities. Now below you will find five names that might show up on the release list of Punjab Kings before IPL 2027.
1. Marcus Stoinis
Punjab Kings signed the Australian all-rounder for Rs 11 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Although he has only accomplished 376 runs and three wickets for 26 matches overall for the franchise. With Azmatullah Omarzai already there to provide the all-round option for PBKS, the franchise may consider Marcus Stoinis’s place in their team. By releasing him, the franchise may free up quite a significant budget for the IPL 2027 auction.
SEE ALSO: Punjab Kings IPL 2027: PBKS Begin Major Off-Season Training
2. Nehal Wadhera
Nehal Wadhera joined the squad for Rs 4.20 crore at the mega auction. But his IPL 2026 players have been a disappointment, because of his 65 runs in eight matches scoring so far. Such poor performances eventually showed him being dropped from the playing XI eventually! PBKS may see to releasing him before the auction in November 17, 2026 to find a proper middle-order choice.
3. Lockie Ferguson
The New Zealand fast bowler, Lockie Ferguson, struggled with his consistent impact for Punjab Kings. He only played for seven matches in the last two IPL seasons because of his injury and other personal reasons. Even in his actual appearances, Ferguson picked up six wickets but conceded plenty of his runs. Because of his limited availability, PBKS may explore other overseas bowling option for the IPL 2027 auction.
4. Musheer Khan
Punjab Kings signed the uncapped Indian batter Musheer Khan for Rs 30 lakh during the IPL 2025 mega auction. However he has had very limited play time, and has, in fact, only played one match in the last two editions of Indian Premier League. He has the highest chances of release before the auction for IPL 2027 – preferably sent to a franchise that will allow him larger player times.
5. Ben Dwarshuis
The left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis was purchased for Rs 4.40 crore in last year’s IPL 2026 auction. However, there was only one time he has played during the season, with just one wicket. Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett and Azmatullah Omarzai are already solid overseas bowling choices for Punjab Kings. So with that alone, Dwarshuis may struggle to keep his place for the upcoming auction.
PBKS Potential Release List: Player Comparison
| Player | Auction Price | IPL 2026 Concern |
| Marcus Stoinis | Rs 11 crore | Inconsistent returns |
| Nehal Wadhera | Rs 4.20 crore | Only 65 runs |
| Lockie Ferguson | Not specified | Limited appearances |
| Musheer Khan | Rs 30 lakh | Only one match in two seasons |
| Ben Dwarshuis | Rs 4.40 crore | One match played |
Can PBKS Build A Stronger Squad Through The IPL 2027 Auction?
Now, Punjab Kings have one job: address weaknesses in their squad before the next IPL season. They must release underperforming players as well as surplus players that have not shown many playing times. This will give them a greater chance of a higher purse space and get stronger options for IPL 2027 auction.
Marcus Stoinis and Lockie Ferguson are some of the names that are potentially on the chopping block. Nehal Wadhera, Musheer Khan and Ben Dwarshuis will also face uncertainties of their roles in PBKS just based on playing time alone. In the end, PBKS needs to balance all of the overseas combos, the batting depth of their Indian players, and better bowling resources.
