Irfan Pathan Proposes Flexible PBKS XI as Franchise Eyes Title Breakthrough in IPL 2026

Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested a flexible playing XI for Punjab Kings ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, leaving out rising Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly and recommending a rotational approach for the number three and four positions between Mitchell Owen and captain Shreyas Iyer.

Following a narrow six-run defeat in the 2025 final, the franchise has retained 20 players and added four new names in the mini-auction to address depth in the pace department and lower-middle order.

Punjab Kings will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 31 at New Chandigarh, aiming to end an 18-year wait for the title.

The team faces an early setback with veteran pacer Lockie Ferguson unavailable for the opening matches due to family commitments.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan backed Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh as the opening pair after their breakout seasons last year.

How does Irfan Pathan see Mitchell Owen and Shreyas Iyer rotating in PBKS XI for IPL 2026?

He also stressed the importance of Owen, who was part of the Hobart Hurricanes title-winning campaign, in the top order alongside Iyer, suggesting tactical flexibility based on conditions.

He slotted Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh in the middle order, highlighting Shashank’s impact last season and noting that continued performances could see him "playing big cricket" in future.

Ferguson’s absence comes after the pacer recently became a father. In his absence, Punjab Kings are expected to rely on Xavier Bartlett, who joined as a mid-season replacement last year and is now part of the full squad.

Apart from Ferguson, the rest of the squad, including leading wicket-taker Arshdeep Singh and spin spearhead Yuzvendra Chahal, has been declared fit and has joined the pre-season camp.

Head coach Ricky Ponting, speaking via a Punjab Kings press release during training sessions, underlined the importance of preparation across all aspects.

He urged players to be "physically, technically, and mentally" ready for the demands of the tournament, adding that while errors such as dropped catches or poor overs are inevitable, sticking to the team’s game plan is essential.

The coaching staff, which includes assistant coach Brad Haddin and fast bowling coach James Hopes, is focused on integrating the new signings into the tactical setup that helped Punjab Kings top the league standings last season.

(With inputs from ANI)