After having played their last IPL Final in 2014 before the beginning of the IPL 2025 season, the Punjab Kings team had little confidence but a lot of hope and belief from their fans that they would go the distance this time around. They entered the auction with a lot of money and the whole squad to assemble. The team management were spot on with their buys at the auction and were able to put together a championship-winning team.

3 Recommended PBKS Trade Targets for IPL 2026

However, as fate would have it, it was not meant to be for them this year either, as they lost the IPL 2025 final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who lifted their first ever IPL title. Below we will try to analyse and find out three PBKS player targets in ipl 2026 who the franchise could target at the mini auction (PBKS trade targets in IPL 2026) and build a flawless squad with all the bases covered and try to have a shot at the glorious silverware once again.

Nandre Burger

Role: Left-arm Fast Bowler (South Africa)
Current Team: Rajasthan Royals

South Africa’s Nandre Burger is a talented left-arm fast bowler who is renowned for his aggressive lengths, bounce, and raw pace. Burger, who has established himself in domestic cricket and participated in international matches, has a ferocious edge with the ball and frequently reaches speeds of 140 km/h. He is a continuous threat in the middle overs and powerplay because of his innate ability to create steep bounce, particularly on hard pitches.

Lekker stuff, Nandre 🔥 pic.twitter.com/84lPxRYE95

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 23, 2025

A franchise such as Punjab Kings (PBKS) might find Burger to be a useful PBKS player trade target. PBKS has frequently had trouble maintaining consistency in their bowling attack, especially when it comes to making breakthroughs at pivotal times. Burger’s aggressive style and left-arm angle will complement bowlers like Arshdeep Singh by adding variation to the pace unit. Burger might provide PBKS the much-needed X-factor they need in a competition like the IPL, where speed and unpredictable play are crucial. This could help them win close games, which they lose more often than not, and improve their bowling depth.

Steve Smith

Role: Middle-order Batter (Australia)
Current Team: Unsold in IPL 2025

Australian cricketer Steve Smith is well-known throughout the world and is considered to be among the top batters in all formats today. Smith has been a reliable performer in international cricket, particularly in pressure moments, and is well-known for his unconventional style, remarkable hand-eye coordination, and cricketing intellect. Steve Smith might give the middle order of the PBKS much-needed solidity and expertise. In previous IPL seasons, PBKS have lost games due to their middle-order failures, and they frequently rely largely on their top order.

Test century no. 3️⃣6️⃣ for Australia talisman Steve Smith 👏#WTC25 | #SLvAUS 📝: https://t.co/PVPw6kFuGn pic.twitter.com/PpKPvAqOj7

— ICC (@ICC) February 7, 2025

With Smith there, aggressive batters would have someone to play freely around. He is excellent at manipulating spin in the middle overs, rotating the strike, and accelerating when necessary – skills that are essential for establishing or sustaining an innings. Smith also has leadership experience, which can help the team when things get tight. He would be a perfect fit as a mentor to younger players and a stabilising factor in the batting lineup because of his cool head and match awareness, which may help PBKS get through difficult times and could be a one of the good PBKS trade targets in IPL 2026.

Sanju Samson

Role: Wicket-Keeper Batter (India)
Current Team: Rajasthan Royals

A gifted cricket player from India, Sanju Samson is renowned for his beautiful strokes, explosive batting, and wicketkeeping abilities. Samson has accumulated years of IPL experience and has become one of the league’s most potent top-order hitters. Additionally, he has led the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and has continuously produced memorable performances, particularly while starting or finishing in the top three.

11 seasons with our Superstar Samson 💪 💗 pic.twitter.com/XLEqLKLeRx

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 22, 2025

He might be a game-changing PBKS player trade targets for the franchise if the rumours that he is leaving RR are true. Samson’s arrival would improve PBKS’s batting lineup and increase their variety since they have struggled at the top of the order. He is able to aggressively exploit the power play as an opener and, when necessary, anchor the innings. He is a great asset on Indian wickets because of his ability to accelerate and play spin.

Rooted for you then, now, always. Go well, (C) 💗 pic.twitter.com/n10tBX5jqL

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 9, 2025

Additionally, his skill as a wicketkeeper-batter adds dual worth, potentially helping PBKS to balance their foreign spots better. Sanju Samson may be the missing component in PBKS’s pursuit of stability and success next season due to his leadership abilities and years of experience in the world’s best T20 league.

Final Words

With a solid core team and smart team management, Punjab Kings might be only a few steps away from winning the coveted IPL trophy. Acquiring players like Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, and Nandre Burger as PBKS trade targets in IPL 2026 might help them cover important gaps in their squad and build a team that is ready for all situations. PBKS can pose a significant title threat in the 2026 Indian Premier League if they have the ideal combination of youth, experience, and X-factor and are spot on with their PBKS player trade targets.