Punjab Kings [2026] – Team Squad, Star Players and Playing 11

Punjab Kings are one of the most passionate and energetic teams in the IPL. Over the years, the team has given fans many exciting matches, close finishes and emotional moments. Even though the team has not won a title yet, they remain popular for fearless batting, strong overseas talent and a loyal fan base.

About Punjab Kings:

Punjab Kings represent the state of Punjab and play their home matches in Mullanpur. The team is known for hitting power, big partnerships and brave cricket. Their style of play often brings high scoring games that fans enjoy watching.

CategoryDetails
Founded2008
Old NameKings XI Punjab (changed to Punjab Kings in 2021)
Home GroundMaharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur
Stadium Capacity33000
OwnersMohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity G Zinta, Karan Paul
IPL Titles0
Captain (2025)Shreyas Iyer
Head Coach (2025)Ricky Ponting

Punjab King’s Team History:

Punjab Kings began their IPL journey with strong star players but struggled with consistency. Over time, they focused on building a stable core, improving their bowling attack and giving more chances to young Indian players. Their best season came in 2014 when they reached the final.

  • 2008–2013: Big names but inconsistent results
  • 2014: Reached the final under George Bailey
  • 2015–2020: Rebuilding phase with new captains
  • 2021–2025: New identity after name change to Punjab Kings

Ownership And Team Management:

Source

The franchise is jointly owned by well known business groups and personalities. Their long standing involvement ensured stability and strong support for the team.

PeriodOwnerNotes
2008–PresentBurman, Wadia, Preity Zinta, PaulOne of the most stable ownership groups

Captains Over The Years:

Punjab Kings have changed captains many times, with each leader bringing their own style and ideas to the team.

CaptainYearsNotes
Shreyas Iyer2025Latest captain leading the 2025 season
Shikhar Dhawan2022–2024Steady and experienced leader
Mayank Agarwal2021–2022Took charge during an important transition phase
KL Rahul2020–2021Top batter and key face of the team
Ravichandran Ashwin2018–2019Known for tactical bowling ideas
Glenn Maxwell2017Aggressive short term captain
David Miller2016Provided balance with batting leadership
Virender Sehwag2015Short stint with attacking mindset
George Bailey2014–2015Led team to strong performances
Adam Gilchrist2011–2013Influential overseas leader and mentor
Kumar Sangakkara2010Brief captaincy period
Yuvraj Singh2008–2009First captain in franchise history

Coaching Staff:

Punjab Kings have a strong and experienced coaching group for 2025. Their focus is on improving skills, keeping strategies clear, and helping players perform with confidence.

RolePerson
Head CoachRicky Ponting
Batting and Fielding CoachBrad Haddin
Fast Bowling CoachJames Hopes
Spin Bowling CoachSairaj Bahutule
Assistant Bowling CoachTrevor Gonsalves

Top Moments And Major Milestones:

Punjab Kings have experienced many memorable seasons filled with individual brilliance and team effort. Their run to the 2014 final remains the highlight of their IPL story.

  1. Reached IPL final in 2014
  2. Highest team score of 257 in 2011
  3. Several seasons with Orange Cap winners
  4. Identified and developed many young stars
  5. Known for thrilling run chases
Why Fans Love This Team?
  • Brave batting style
  • Never give up attitude
  • Strong emotional connection with Punjab

Auction Strategy And Top Buys:

Punjab Kings are known for making some of the biggest auction moves in IPL history. These signings show their strategy of targeting high impact players across different seasons.

PlayerYearPrice (₹ Crore)Note
Shreyas Iyer202526.75Most expensive PBKS buy ever
Sam Curran202318.50Major all round signing in mega auction
Jhye Richardson202114.00Big overseas pace investment
KL Rahul201811.00Became a key batter and face of the team
Glenn Maxwell202010.75High value buy for middle order power
Auction Strategy:
  • Looks for all rounders who can finish games
  • Focus on young Indian batters
  • Invests heavily in fast bowlers
  • Prefers match winners over long term projects

Key Players Across Seasons:

Source

Here are the players who shaped the journey of Punjab Kings through strong performances and memorable innings.

PlayerRoleYearsContribution
KL RahulBatter2018–2021Consistent run machine
Chris GayleBatter2018–2021Big hitter and fan favourite
Glenn MaxwellAll Rounder2014–2017Outstanding 2014 season
Mayank AgarwalBatter2018–2022Reliable opener
Shikhar DhawanBatter2022–PresentCaptain and senior player
David MillerBatter2012–2019Famous for match winning 101*
Mohammed ShamiBowler2019–2021Fast bowling spearhead
Arshdeep SinghBowler2019–PresentBrilliant death overs bowler
Prabhsimran SinghBatter2023–PresentYoung aggressive opener
Kagiso RabadaBowler2022–PresentHigh quality fast bowler
Sam CurranAll Rounder2023–PresentBig money buy and finisher
Jonny BairstowBatter2022–PresentExplosive top order hitter
Sandeep SharmaBowler2013–2021Powerplay specialist
Axar PatelAll Rounder2014–2018All round value
David WarnerBatter2009–2013Early era star
Shaun MarshBatter2008–2017First Orange Cap winner
Mujeeb Ur RahmanBowler2018–2019Spin mystery
Harpreet BrarBowler2021–PresentKnown for big match spells
Liam LivingstoneAll Rounder2022–PresentSix hitting expert
Jitesh SharmaBatter2022–PresentReliable finisher

Brand Sponsors And Partnerships:

Punjab Kings work with several brands that support their marketing, fan engagement and digital identity.

YearTitle SponsorKit SponsorKey Brands
2021EbixCashT10 SportsLotus Herbals
2022BKTT10 SportsJio
2023BKTT10 SportsHindware
2024BKTT10 SportsJioCinema
2025BKTT10 SportsMultiple partners

Social Media Presence And Fan Support:

Punjab Kings enjoy a loyal fan base that stands with them through every season. Their digital platforms share fun videos, behind the scenes clips and training moments.

PlatformLinkFollowers (2025)
Websitepunjabkingsipl.in/
Instagraminstagram.com/punjabkingsipl4.5 M
Xx.com/PunjabKingsIPL2.9 M
Facebookfacebook.com/PunjabKingsIPL9.5 M
YouTubeyoutube.com/PunjabKings646 K

Punjab King’s Controversies:

  1. Frequent captaincy changes creating instability.
  2. Over spending on a few players in some auctions.
  3. Criticism over team selection in key matches.
  4. Inconsistent bowling attack in certain seasons.
  5. Debates around player mismanagement in earlier years.

Team Rivalries And Memorable Matches:

Punjab Kings have been part of many thrilling games. Their rivalries are built on close finishes and fan excitement

  • Against Chennai for high scoring games
  • Against Rajasthan for dramatic run chases
  • Against Mumbai for historic encounters
  • Against Kolkata in pressure filled matches

Season Summary And Performance Review:

SeasonCaptainPosition / StageWins / Losses (or Record)Key Player / Notes
2008Yuvraj SinghSemifinal / Playoffs10 wins – 5 losses Marsh
2014George BaileyRunner-up / Finalists12 wins – 5 losses Maxwell
2020KL RahulMid-table6 wins – 8 losses Rahul
2021KL RahulMid-table6 wins – 8 losses Mayank
2022Mayank AgarwalMid-table7 wins – 7 lossesDhawan
2023Shikhar DhawanMid-table6 wins – 8 losses Curran
2024–2025Shreyas IyerRunner-up (Finalists)10 wins – 6 lossesRabada

Important Records And Match Stats:

  1. Highest total: 257
  2. Lowest total: 73
  3. Most runs: KL Rahul
  4. Most wickets: Piyush Chawla
  5. Fastest fifty: KL Rahul
  6. Best bowling: Anil Kumble 5 for 5
  7. Most sixes: Chris Gayle
  8. Longest winning streak: 5 matches

Interesting Facts About Punjab Kings:

These small but meaningful details make the team special and unique.

  • First Orange Cap ever was won by Shaun Marsh in 2008
  • Chris Gayle hit his 300th T20 six for this team
  • 2014 season is considered their golden run
  • Known for giving chances to young domestic players
  • Strong fan base in Punjab and North India

Conclusion:

Punjab Kings are a team full of heart, energy and entertainment. Their journey has seen ups and downs, but they continue to fight with passion. With a stronger bowling unit, experienced leaders and talented youngsters, the team hopes to finally secure their first IPL title in the coming seasons.

FAQs:

1. When did the team change its name?

In 2021, Kings XI Punjab became Punjab Kings.

2. What is their best season?

Their best season was 2014 when they reached the final.

3. Who owns the franchise?

The team is owned by Burman, Wadia, Preity Zinta and Paul.

4. Who is the captain in 2025?

Shreyas Iyer

5. Who are their most impactful players?

KL Rahul, Gayle, Maxwell, Shami, Dhawan and Arshdeep.