IPL 2026: 3 players PBKS underutilised this season

Punjab Kings (PBKS) endured a roller-coaster campaign in IPL 2026, showcasing a highly explosive brand of T20 cricket. Led by captain Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, the franchise enjoyed a dream start to the tournament, remaining completely undefeated through their first seven games to lead the points table.

However, a six-game losing streak eventually saw them dramatically slip to a fifth-place finish, narrowly missing out on the playoffs. While the playing XI was consistent during their early winning streak, a few players arguably did not get the opportunities their talents deserved.

Here are 3 players who were underutilised by PBKS in IPL 2026:

3. Suryansh Shedge 

Batting all-rounder Suryansh Shedge was not used by the PBKS side properly in the recently concluded season of the marquee T20 tournament. The 23-year-old represented them seven times in this season, smashing 158 runs with a strike rate of 175.56, with one fifty-plus score to his name. 

The youngster performed well whenever he was given the opportunity to bat in the middle. Suryansh, who plays for Mumbai in the domestic circuit, is someone whom Iyer & Co. could have used more in the middle overs with other batters failing to step up.

2. Harpreet Brar

Harpreet Brar, the bowling all-rounder from Punjab, has been one of the mainstays of the franchise for the last few seasons. Despite that, he was not given enough chances by the PBKS management in this year. Contrary to IPL 2025, where he featured in 13 matches, Brar only played two matches in the recently concluded season, picking up 2 wickets and bowling with an economy rate of 7.50. 

In the second half of the season, the PBKS side had a horrible time, eventually failing to qualify for the playoffs. With just Yuzvendra Chahal as their premier spinner, they could have given more chances to the left-arm spinner, which would have added variety to their bowling attack.

1. Azmatullah Omarzai 

The star cricketer from Afghanistan Azmatullah Omarzai was left devoid of opportunities by the Punjab-based franchise in the recent season. The dynamic all-rounder featured in just three matches despite his excellent international form. Notably, Omarzai is currently ranked fifth on the ICC T20I Rankings for all-rounders. 

Showing his capabilities, Omarzai smashed an entertaining 38 runs off 17 balls against Mumbai Indians and provided handy medium-pace bowling. However, he could have been given more chances, which might have solved a few problems that PBKS faced in a season that saw them go downhill after a headstart to their campaign.