After falling just short of the IPL 2025 title, Punjab Kings have made a bold, calculated pivot — releasing five players, including star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, and shifting their entire overseas strategy toward versatile, multi-skilled all-rounders. The move, confirmed on November 15, 2025, isn’t just a cleanup. It’s a rebuild. And it’s centered on one idea: all-rounders who can win games in multiple ways, not just one.
Why Maxwell and Inglis Had to Go
Glenn Maxwell, 35, was once the heartbeat of Punjab’s explosive middle order. But in IPL 2025, he delivered only 48 runs in six innings and four wickets. His strike rate dipped. His impact faded. The numbers didn’t lie. Punjab Kings didn’t just let him go — they quietly acknowledged that the era of relying on a single, high-risk big-hitter was over. Josh Inglis, despite scoring 278 runs at a blistering 162.57 strike rate, was also released. Why? Because his wicketkeeping wasn’t consistent enough. In a league where keeping and batting are split roles, Punjab decided they could find a better fit — someone who could bat in the top five and bowl a few overs. The math was simple: 278 runs at 162.57 is great. But if you’re spending a slot on a keeper who can’t keep, you’re wasting a valuable overseas spot.The New Overseas Core: Jansen, Omarzai, Bartlett, Owen
What replaced them? Four names that define balance:- Marco Jansen — South Africa’s left-arm pace all-rounder, who bowled with control and hit crucial cameos. He’s the anchor.
- Azmatullah Omarzai — Afghanistan’s gritty, off-spinning all-rounder who can bat at 7 and bowl 4 overs under pressure. He’s the X-factor.
- Xavier Bartlett — Australia’s raw pace-bowling all-rounder with a knack for late-order fireworks.
- Mitch Owen — Another seam-bowling all-rounder, quietly efficient, with the temperament to handle death overs.
Together, they form a unit that can bat from 4 to 8, bowl in powerplays and death, and adapt to any pitch. This isn’t just depth — it’s flexibility. And in a league where matches are won by 10 runs or 10 balls, flexibility wins.
The Two Slots: Livingstone or Hasaranga?
Punjab Kings now hold ₹11.50 crore and two overseas slots. Two names dominate the rumor mill: Liam Livingstone and Wanindu Hasaranga. Livingstone, who played for PBKS from 2022 to 2024 before being snapped up by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹8.75 crore, is the perfect fit. He’s a left-handed hitter who can clear boundaries with ease — he averaged 156+ strike rate in his PBKS stints — and he can turn his arm over with leg-spin. He’s the kind of player who can win a game single-handedly on a slow pitch. And crucially, he’s familiar with the team’s culture. But here’s the twist: Hasaranga, released by Rajasthan Royals after just 11 wickets in IPL 2025, might be a better value. Yes, his 2025 season was off. But in 2022, he took 26 wickets for RCB. That’s not a fluke. He’s a leg-spinner who can bat in the top 7, and his price tag could be half of Livingstone’s. For a team with ₹11.50 crore to spend, that’s a tantalizing gamble.The Indian Core: Arshdeep and Iyer Hold the Fort
While the overseas strategy shifts, the Indian backbone remains rock-solid. Arshdeep Singh, 25, continues to be the franchise’s most dependable bowler — handling the new ball with precision and the death overs with nerve. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need hype. He just delivers. And then there’s Shreyas Iyer, 30, captain and calm head. His leadership in IPL 2025 turned a fractured team into finalists. He knows how to manage pressure. He knows how to extract the best from his players. Under his captaincy, and with Ricky Ponting, 49, as head coach, Punjab Kings aren’t just rebuilding — they’re maturing.
A Strategic Pivot: From Foreign Stars to Functional All-Rounders
Last year, Punjab retained Maxwell, Inglis, Hardie, and Dubey — four overseas players, most of whom were specialists. This year? They’re going for utility. The message from management is clear: Don’t pay for potential. Pay for performance — and versatility. This isn’t just a roster change. It’s a philosophy shift. In a league where franchises burn through overseas players like disposable batteries, Punjab is betting on durability. On players who can fill three roles. On those who can bat, bowl, and still field like champions.What’s Next: The Mini-Auction and the Title Window
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is expected in late November or early December 2025. Punjab’s moves so far suggest they’re not trying to outbid anyone. They’re trying to outthink them. If they land Livingstone, they’ll be a top contender. If they get Hasaranga, they’ll be the most unpredictable team in the league. One thing’s certain: after finishing as runners-up in 2025, they’re not satisfied. They’ve got the core. They’ve got the leadership. Now, they need the final pieces. And those pieces aren’t stars. They’re soldiers.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Punjab Kings release Glenn Maxwell despite his past reputation?
Maxwell’s IPL 2025 performance — just 48 runs in six innings and four wickets — showed a steep decline in impact. At 35, his strike rate dropped, and his role as a finisher became predictable. Punjab Kings shifted toward versatile all-rounders who can contribute in multiple phases, not just explosive hitters who flame out under pressure.
Who are the key overseas players Punjab Kings retained for IPL 2026?
Punjab Kings retained four overseas all-rounders: South Africa’s Marco Jansen, Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, and Australians Xavier Bartlett and Mitch Owen. These players offer balance — pace, spin, batting depth, and death-over reliability — aligning with the team’s new strategy of functional versatility over star power.
Could Liam Livingstone be the missing piece for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026?
Absolutely. Livingstone previously excelled for PBKS from 2022–2024 with his explosive batting and handy leg-spin. He can bat in the top 5, finish games, and turn his arm over — exactly the all-round profile Punjab now seeks. His familiarity with the team and proven track record make him a top target, especially if he’s available at a reduced price.
Why is Wanindu Hasaranga being considered despite a poor IPL 2025?
Hasaranga’s 2025 season (11 wickets in 11 matches) was a dip, but his 2022 performance for RCB — 26 wickets — proves his elite pedigree. At 27, he’s still in his prime, and his ability to bowl 4 overs and bat in the top 7 makes him a rare, cost-effective asset. Punjab may see this as a low-risk, high-reward opportunity.
How does Arshdeep Singh fit into Punjab’s 2026 plans?
Arshdeep Singh is Punjab’s most consistent bowler, trusted with both new-ball and death-over duties. His ability to swing the ball and bowl yorkers under pressure makes him irreplaceable. With fewer overseas slots, his role as the anchor of the bowling attack becomes even more critical in 2026.
What’s the broader strategy behind Punjab Kings’ 2026 rebuild?
Punjab Kings are moving from a ‘star-heavy’ model to a ‘role-specific’ one. They’re prioritizing all-rounders who can adapt, not specialists who need perfect conditions. Combined with a strong Indian core led by Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh, this approach aims to build a team that can win tight games — the kind that turn finalists into champions.