Captain Shreyas Iyer to Represent Punjab Kings at IPL 2026 Auction in Ricky Ponting’s Absence: Report

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction without their head coach Ricky Ponting, who will be unavailable due to commentary commitments for the Ashes series with Australia’s Channel Seven Network. According to a Cricbuzz report, team captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to lead the franchise’s auction table at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena on December 16.

Despite Ponting’s absence, the Punjab Kings management is reportedly confident, mainly because the team has minimal activity planned for the auction. PBKS has only four slots left, including two overseas positions, and a remaining purse of ₹11.50 crore.

Shreyas Iyer’s Leadership Turned Punjab Kings’ Fortunes

Shreyas Iyer’s leadership proved transformative for Punjab Kings during IPL 2025. In his reunion with Ricky Ponting—whom he previously worked with at Delhi Capitals—Iyer guided the team to:

• Their first playoffs appearance in 11 years
• Their first final since the 2014 season

Iyer also led from the front with a phenomenal batting season, finishing as PBKS’ leading run-scorer with:

• 604 runs
• An average of 50
• A strike rate of 175

His performance made him the backbone of the franchise and a natural choice to represent PBKS at the auction.

Iyer will be joined at the auction table by:

• Sairaj Bahutule – Spin Bowling Coach
• Trevor Gonsalves – Assistant Bowling Coach
• Ashish Tuli – General Manager

Punjab Kings’ Likely Auction Strategy

PBKS released three overseas players — Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Kyle Jamieson — suggesting the franchise may prioritize overseas reinforcements.

Likely targets include:

1. Indian Backup Spinner

A domestic spinner who can support Rahul Chahar or serve as bench strength.

2. Overseas Top-Order Batter / Batting All-Rounder

A flexible player who can anchor or accelerate, especially in case of injuries or form issues.

3. Overseas Fast Bowling Backup

With Jamieson released, PBKS is expected to look for a reliable pace option to balance their squad.

The team aims to complete its 25-member squad while making impactful yet value-driven buys.

Other Franchise Updates

Vettori to Attend SRH Auction Table

Daniel Vettori, Australia’s assistant coach, will be present for Sunrisers Hyderabad despite the third Ashes Test starting the next day. SRH has:

• 10 slots to fill
• A substantial purse of ₹25.50 crore

Vettori made a similar arrangement with Cricket Australia during last year’s auction, leaving in between the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Lucknow Super Giants’ Representation

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will have full management representation, including:

• Justin Langer – Head Coach
• Tom Moody – Global Director of Cricket
• Bharat Arun – Bowling Coach
• Members of the ownership group