IPL 2026: 5 Youngsters Punjab Kings Should Retain, Featuring Priyansh Arya

Having been denied for the first time ever the IPL trophy after a narrow defeat in 2025, much has been relished in the history of Punjab Kings, mainly the inspirational talents of rousing youngsters. Under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings have shown maturity and balance with youngsters taking responsibility in big moments.

With November 15 being the retention deadline, PBKS will have to work out whom to retain for IPL 2026. Here is a list of five young guns that the franchise should definitely look to hold on to for the coming season.

1. Priyansh Arya

Making his IPL debut in 2025 at just 24, Priyansh Arya emerged as one of PBKS’ standout performers. Opening the innings, Arya combined consistency with flair, amassing 475 runs in 17 matches, including a stunning century. His strong strike rate and seamless partnership with Prabhsimran Singh provided PBKS with explosive starts throughout the season.

With his fearless approach and ability to anchor the innings when required, Arya is undoubtedly a long-term asset — a must-retain for IPL 2026.

2. Prabhsimran Singh

Having debuted in 2019, Prabhsimran Singh has matured into one of Punjab Kings’ most reliable openers. In IPL 2025, the 25-year-old batter showcased peak form, scoring 549 runs in 17 matches, including four fifties.

His improved shot selection, coupled with an attacking mindset, makes him a vital cog in PBKS’s top order. Together with Arya, he forms one of the most dynamic opening pairs in the league.

3. Nehal Wadhera

PBKS’s middle-order star Nehal Wadhera lived up to his ₹4.2 crore price tag with an impressive 2025 campaign. Scoring 369 runs in 16 matches at an average of 30.75, Wadhera provided crucial stability in the middle overs and often carried forward the momentum set by the openers.

His ability to handle spin and pace alike makes him a dependable finisher and a player PBKS should retain as a long-term investment.

4. Suryansh Shedge

While Suryansh Shedge had limited opportunities in IPL 2025, featuring in just five games, the 22-year-old all-rounder from Mumbai remains an exciting prospect. Bought for ₹30 lakh, Shedge’s domestic performances have already showcased his potential as a batting all-rounder.

PBKS may want to back him with more opportunities in the coming season, as he brings balance and depth to the squad with his dual skill set.

5. Musheer Khan

The other side of the pyramid of Mumbai talent is represented by Musheer Khan, who featured in just one IPL game in 2025 but is counted among the brightest young batting prospects that India has. Known for his calm temperament and textbook technique, Musheer, if groomed well, could very well develop into a dependable middle-order batter.

PBKS would do well to hold onto him for the future — an unmade game-changer.

Conclusion

With a good mixture of youth and experience, Punjab Kings have laid the basics of their future. Retention of those five youngsters, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Suryansh Shedge, and Musheer Khan, might just be the key to sustaining that momentum and mounting yet another robust challenge for the title in IPL 2026.