5 IPL 2025 Unsold players who can be picked by PBKS in IPL 2026 Auction

Punjab Kings finished IPL 2025 with clear strengths in power hitters up top and a decent pace battery, but squad depth and middle-order balance remain questions. Buying smart in 2026 means hunting value in players who went unsold in 2025 but still bring a defined role and upside. Here are five names PBKS can and should think about.

1. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz’s reputation rests on first-class and A-team form rather than eye-popping IPL returns, which helps explain why he went unsold in 2025. For PBKS, he offers a low-risk domestic option who can bat at No. 3 or 4 and anchor innings when the top order explodes or fails. 

His presence would also free overseas slots for impact hitters because Sarfaraz does the patient, high-value work that Indian sides often lack. Buying him is a bet on converting domestic consistency into T20 control, and the auction tag makes that bet cheap.

2. Ben Duckett

Duckett’s international strike rate and ability to clear the ropes make him an obvious short-term fix for any team that needs intent at the top. He went unsold in 2025, which lowers immediate price risk as well. He is an all-out aggressive option for the team.

For PBKS, he could be deployed as a floater opener or as a left-handed contrast to existing right-hand power in the order. If the Kings want a straightforward role player who can open aggressively on flat pitches, Duckett fits that bill.

3. Sikandar Raza

Raza combines middle-order hitting with part-time off-spin and leadership experience. These are clear tactical assets for PBKS if they want depth without burning an overseas slot on a one-dimensional tweaker. 

He went unsold in 2025 but remains a useful middle-order buffer and a useful bowler as well. In recent years, he has been in great form as well. In short, Raza delivers utility and balance, and at the right price, he’s an ideal squad glue piece. 

4. Daryl Mitchell

Mitchell is a modern white-ball batter who can bat through the middle overs, rotate the strike and accelerate when required. He also chips in with medium-pace overs and is a top-tier fielder. He makes the kind of multi-dimensional overseas player who helps balance the XI without eating into Indian slots. 

Mitchell went unsold at the 2025 auction, which lowers the immediate price risk for PBKS while offering the team a high-IQ batting option who can bat at 3–5 depending on match-ups.

5. Akeal Hosein

PBKS have leaned on wrist-spin and off-spin in previous seasons. A reliable left-arm orthodox who bats a little and controls the middle overs is an asset in subcontinental conditions. Akeal Hosein’s economical bowling and knack for breaking partnerships make him an ideal player for a T20 side, and he was on the unsold list in 2025, so the Kings could land him at a sensible price. For PBKS, Hosein is a specialist to hold the middle overs while overseas seamers close out spells.

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