Punjab Kings (PBKS) who finished as runners-up last year will be cheering the loudest for the IPL 2026 season. Most of the players were retained by PBKS and not only that few new players were added to the squad for more strength and cover.
The roster that PBKS has constructed will allow them to have the same kind of all-rounders as last year, but now they even have more choices – from foreign to Indian, young to old, experienced and inexperienced.
So now, let’s have a look at the all-rounders who could be part of the PBKS Best XI.
Marco Jansen
The South African all-rounder is an obvious choice in the PBKS squad, putting in balance along with his usefulness with bat and ball. He is also at his best and was one of the top players for South Africa during their recent tour of the subcontinent.
Jansen was a performer in all three formats. He was the second-highest wicket-taker in the two-match Test series with 12 wickets and at the same time scored 106 runs, including a 93 where he was just a bit shy of a century. He also had a fifty in the ODI series scoring four wickets in three matches and also getting three more wickets and 28 runs in the T20I series.
Cooper Connolly
After Glenn Maxwell had a terrible last season, PBKS had no option but to let the senior Australian all-rounder go before the retention deadline. However, they did manage to sign a young talent full of promise in Cooper Connolly, the spin all-rounder.
So far, the 22-year-old has been very impressive in the BBL, scoring 136 runs in total and getting 50s in each of the two matches played. He also shined during the ODI series with the home team, giving a solid contribution of a fifty. Like Maxwell, Connolly is an Australian as well, and PBKS will be counting on the young player to repeat his triumphs in IPL.
Marcus Stoinis/Azmatullah Omzarzai
PBKS can place a third all-rounder in their best XI, and it will be a close call between Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai. Both of them played vital roles last season, with Stoinis mostly in batting and Omarzai in bowling, and they will be carrying the same burden of expectations in the IPL 2026 season. The decision on whom to include in the squad will be influenced by the conditions and the specific matchups against their rivals.
