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The Punjab Kings are stepping into the 2026 Indian Premier League season with a fresh wave of confidence after finishing as runners-up last year. After a few seasons of ups and downs, PBKS finally hit the sweet spot last season, with their batting lineup playing a pivotal role in their impressive journey to the final. 

Renowned for their aggressive style and fearless batting, Punjab’s lineup features a blend of explosive openers, reliable middle-order players, and energetic finishers. As they strive to take that extra step this time, it will be crucial for their batters to perform consistently and overpower their rivals. 

Sheyas Iyer 

Shreyas Iyer, the captain who led his team to an IPL victory, has taken the Punjab-based squad to their first IPL final since 2014, and he really shone with the bat too. The right-handed batsman is eager to have an outstanding season as he looks to make his comeback to the national team in the T20 format. 

During the 2025 season, the Mumbai player was a standout leader, amassing 604 runs at an impressive strike rate of 175.07, which featured six innings where he scored over fifty runs. If the Punjab Kings want to mirror their successful 2025 season, Iyer is definitely their best shot. 

Priyansh Arya 

Priyansh Arya, the talented young left-hander from Delhi, is all set to kick off his second season in the IPL. He had an outstanding run in 2025 with the Punjab-based team, racking up 475 runs at an impressive strike rate of 179.25 over 17 matches. One of the highlights was his explosive 39-ball century against the Chennai Super Kings, which really showcased his incredible skills. 

This year, the PBKS team is counting on the left-handed opener to deliver big with the bat once again. Priyansh will be opening the innings alongside Prabhsimran, and if they find their rhythm together, the northern franchise could turn into a powerful batting force.

Prabhsimran Singh 

We also have Prabhsimran Singh, who has really emerged as one of the most thrilling openers for the Punjab Kings in recent seasons. His breakout year was in 2023, where he racked up 358 runs in 14 matches, highlighted by a stunning 103 off just 65 balls against the Delhi Capitals. He continued to impress in 2024, scoring 334 runs at an impressive strike rate of 156.80. 

The franchise's trust in him has only grown, as shown by his retention before the 2025 season. He certainly delivered, amassing 549 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 160.53. Prabhsimran not only brings explosive batting to the top order but also showcases reliable wicketkeeping skills.

This article first appeared on CricketGully and was syndicated with permission.

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