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.