3 PBKS players who may not be retained ahead of IPL 2027 Auction

Punjab Kings had a memorable run in IPL 2025 under Shreyas Iyer, finishing top of the league stage and reaching the final. However, the 2026 edition told a different story, as the Kings began with promise before losing momentum and ending the season fifth on the points table with seven wins from 14 matches.

With the IPL 2027 Retention Deadline falling on November 17, 2026, the franchise must now decide which players to hold on to and which to release ahead of the auction. Three names in particular stand out as potential cuts given their performances and squad dynamics.

3. Nehal Wadhera

Nehal Wadhera endured a sharp dip in form during IPL 2026, scoring just 65 runs across six innings at an average of 10.83. That represents a significant fall from his 369-run tally in IPL 2025. Hardik Pandya's presence at PBKS is expected to take up a middle-order spot, which could further limit Wadhera's chances of regular game time. If he finds himself on the fringes of the XI, Wadhera may look to move to a new franchise where he can play more consistently.