Ricky Ponting has defined Punjab Kings’ resolution to launch a number of major overseas gamers ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. The PBKS head coach outlined the franchise’s technique, the reasoning behind the exits, and the way these strikes match into the staff’s long-term auction planning.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting mentioned the rationale behind the choice to half methods with a number of outstanding gamers ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. The franchise has let go of Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, and Josh Inglis in preparation for the auction set for December 16. During an look on JioStar’s ‘Retention Show’, Ponting elaborated on the overseas participant releases, stating that the staff goals to create extra overseas slots for the upcoming auction. He acknowledged Maxwell’s worth however indicated that the staff didn’t envision him becoming into their beginning lineup for subsequent yr’s IPL.
Aaron Hardie, who didn’t characteristic in any matches final season, was additionally launched for tactical causes.
“The biggest name we are releasing this year is Glenn Maxwell. I have worked with Glenn a long time. I love him and what he brings to the game. Unfortunately, last year we could not get the best out of him, and looking ahead we did not feel he would be in our starting team, so we decided to release him. Aaron Hardie is the other overseas all-rounder we are releasing. He never got a chance to play for us last year. It is hard to let such players go, but we need to open up overseas slots for the auction. Unfortunately, Aaron Hardie is a release,” Ponting mentioned.
Additionally, Josh Inglis, one other notable title, was let go by the Punjab Kings. The wicketkeeper-batter had a strong displaying in IPL 2025, amassing 278 runs in 11 matches with a powerful strike price of 162.57. Inglis proved to be a reliable participant throughout the 2025 season, the place the franchise secured a runner-up place.
Ponting additional addressed Inglis’ departure, explaining that the choice was influenced by the participant’s restricted availability for the 2026 IPL season.
“Josh Inglis is another one. He played some great knocks for us in the second half of the tournament. He missed a few games for different reasons and was also aware he would not be available for most of the tournament this year,” the previous Australia captain mentioned.
In response to those modifications, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble remarked that the Punjab Kings have maintained a strong and well-rounded squad following their participant releases, buoyed by the arrogance gained from final season’s runner-up end.
“Punjab Kings have all bases covered. They were the finalists last season, so that confidence has led them to keep most of their players. Their Indian players did exceptionally well last season, and they will hope that continues. Fast bowlers are always good to have as backup, so that is one area they could look at. They would have also identified a few talented uncapped Indians to consider. They will want to fill an overseas slot, as they have released three overseas players. They could look for a wicketkeeper-batter to fill Josh Inglis’ position,” Kumble mentioned.
PBKS retained gamers: Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Pyla Avinash, Harnoor Pannu, Musheer Khan, Vishnu Vinod, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Suryansh Shedge, Mitchell Owen, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Xavier Bartlett, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar
PBKS Auction Budget: INR 11.50 crore.
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