Irfan Pathan Unveils Predicted Punjab Kings Lineup for IPL 2026 Season
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are shaping up for a strong showing in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, according to former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who recently revealed his predicted playing XI following the league’s auction on Tuesday, December 16, in Abu Dhabi. Having retained a core of 21 players, the 2025 IPL runners-up had just four roster spots to address during the auction proceedings.
Pathan, speaking on his YouTube channel on Wednesday, December 17, indicated a continued opening partnership between Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. He further solidified the batting order by endorsing Shreyas Iyer at No. 3, followed by the promising uncapped batter Nehal Wadhera and the experienced Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.
A key addition to the squad,young Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly,secured for ₹3 crore,was slotted in at No. 6.Pathan expressed optimism that Connolly will provide a more reliable performance than his predecessor, Glenn Maxwell, who has since retired alongside josh Inglis. “When Josh Inglis left and then Maxwell also retired, you needed replacements, so they brought in Cooper Connolly,” a source close to Pathan stated. “They are thinking of him as a like-for-like replacement. He is a left-handed batter who keeps his bat low and impressed a lot with the way he played against India in the ODI series Australia played. He also bowls left-arm spin,so he is a good pick. He is expected to be more consistent than Maxwell, and hopefully he will get opportunities.”
Shashank Singh, a standout performer for the Kings in the 2025 season – amassing 350 runs at an average of 50.00 with a strike rate of 153.50, including three half-centuries – also earned a place in Pathan’s lineup.
At no. 8, Pathan placed his faith in the in-form South African all-rounder Marco Jansen. the composition of the bowling attack remains somewhat flexible, with options including Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, or Yash Thakur, contingent on the prevailing pitch conditions. Rounding out the XI are seasoned seamers Lockie Ferguson and Arshdeep Singh.
For the crucial Impact Player role,Pathan selected veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal,the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker with an notable 221 wickets in 174 matches.
Irfan Pathan’s Punjab Kings (PBKS) playing XII for IPL 2026: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar/Vijaykumar Vyshak/Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal (Impact Player).
Why this lineup? Irfan Pathan’s predicted lineup aims to balance explosive batting with a versatile bowling attack. The team addresses key gaps left by the retirements of Glenn Maxwell and Josh inglis with the acquisition of Cooper Connolly, hoping for a more consistent performance in the middle order. The inclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal as the Impact Player provides a seasoned spin option.
Who is involved? The core of the team features established stars like Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Lockie Ferguson, and Arshdeep Singh, alongside emerging talents like Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, and Cooper Connolly. veteran Yuzvendra Chahal provides experience and leadership.
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