Shreyas Iyer Set To Be At Punjab Kings' Table For IPL 2026 Auction: Reports

Shreyas Iyer is set to return but in a different capacity, with the Punjab Kings all-rounder set to be part of the franchise’s table for the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. According to Cricbuzz’s reports, the Mumbaikar is set to lead PBKS’ delegation for the 2026 auction, alongside seven others.

It will be Iyer’s first appearance since injuring his spleen in the third ODI against Australia Down Under. However, the reports also stated that PBKS would be without their head coach, Ricky Ponting. Ponting is currently under contract with Seven Network, doing commentary in the ongoing five-match Test series between Australia and England, which is why he will miss the upcoming auction. 

Cricbuzz also hinted that PBKS’ settled squad could be another reason why Ponting will miss the upcoming auction. But Sunrisers Hyderabad’s head coach, Daniel Vettori, will be present at the table during the auction, with Justin Langer and Tom Moody set to be the other two Australian figures at the auction table. 

Last year, under Iyer’s captaincy, PBKS reached their first-ever IPL final in a decade but endured a rather tough heartbreak in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.