3 PBKS players who might be benched in IPL 2026

Punjab Kings go into IPL 2026 after being one of the most consistent teams in 2025. Finishing first in the league stage, they narrowly missed out on the trophy after being beaten by an inspired Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the finals.

In 2026, they retained a good portion of their core, with the Auction used as a platform to add secure Indian and overseas backups. With a settled unit, there will be players in the squad who might not find regular game time for the two-time finalists.

3 players who could be benched by the Punjab Kings in IPL 2026:

3) Ben Dwarshius

A Big Bash League veteran, Ben Dwarshius joined Punjab Kings in 2026, when signed for INR 4.4 crore. After toiling it out for the Sydney Sixers for years, Dwarshius now finds himself as a regular in the Australian white-ball set up. A left-arm pacer who can swing the new ball and double up as a solid lower-order hitter, Dwarshius is the complete limited overs package.

However, ahead of him in Punjab Kings' pecking order is Marco Jansen, one of the world’s premier fast-bowling all-rounders, along with New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson and compatriot Xavier Bartlett. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai is another fast-bowling all-rounder who is sure to be part of the team. With all these names ahead of him, finding a place would be difficult for Dwarshius.

2) Praveen Dubey

Karnataka leg-spinner Praveen Dubey is a constant presence for the team in the domestic circuit. A leg spin bowler and a handy lower-order batter, he was re-signed by Punjab Kings after being released, as they brought him back in the auction. Dubey made a name for himself in the now-defunct Karnataka Premier League, rising through the ranks to become a mainstay in the white-ball formats.

Dubey faces stiff competition from Yuzvendra Chahal, the competition’s highest-ever wicket taker, as the lead spinner of the Punjab Kings. Breaking into the team over Chahal would be a difficult task, who is expected to play the entire season.

1) Musheer Khan

The younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer was India’s standout player in the 2024 U-19 World Cup. An innovative batter like his brother, Musheer has established himself as a regular name in the domestic game for Mumbai in the longer formats. Keeping his talent and skillset in mind, he was signed by the Punjab Kings in the 2025 Auction at his base price of INR 30 Lakhs.

Musheer faces plenty of competition in a well-settled Punjab Kings batting lineup. Added to that his reduced prominence in the shortest format means despite his talents there will be second thoughts on his spot in the team.