3 Smart Trades PBKS Should Make to Finally Go All the Way in IPL 2026

Almost – but not quite – that’s Punjab Kings’ story in IPL 2025. A decade-long wait to finally make a final and lose to a team that had the momentum from RCB. But there is still a call for optimism. With Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting firing in multiple areas as team captain and team coach, respectively, PBKS looked like a genuine title challenger. But one thing was clear – in order to turn this almost win into a trophy win, the team needs a small upgrade, and fortunately for PBKS, the IPL trade window is already in the league schedule. Here are three smart trades that PBKS really should consider in advance of IPL 2026:

Anrich Nortje

Can you remember the Nortje who recorded thunderbolts at the Delhi Capitals? He might not be that guy right now, but that version of Nortje is still somewhere in there. Nortje had a terrible season with KKR in 2025, playing only two games and leaking runs at an alarming rate.

Nortje has 61 wickets in 48 IPL matches, and he provides experience and raw pace — something PBKS did not have after Lockie Ferguson got injured. Kyle Jamieson came in, but it was a temporary fix. KKR might have Nortje completely out of their plans, which gives PBKS a great opportunity to buy low on a high-upside player. Playing under Ponting and a new captain in Iyer, Nortje could potentially find his mojo again. Just think, a fit and firing Nortje steaming in at the death — a match-winning place of magic and potential highlight reels!

Also read:- Power Showdown: Pooran vs Klaasen’s First 58 T20Is Compared

Rasikh Dar

Let’s talk about Punjab’s biggest issue this season: death bowling. It was laid bare in the final and, let’s be honest, it has been on the cards for years. Rasikh Dar Salam has emerged in Punjab’s squad – maybe a name you don’t know now, but who knows, he may be in your thoughts cheering for him next season.

Purchased by RCB for a staggering ₹6 crore, Rasikh did not receive a chance to showcase his skills thanks to RCB’s overstocked bowling roster. But do not be fooled, this kid can bowl, slower balls, yorkers on the toe, and he looks composed going into the final overs; he just needs someone to put their trust in him. PBKS is a franchise that could do so.

Nishant Sindhu

Here’s a fun fact: Nishant Sindhu has never played an IPL match, but he has already scored a T20 century and taken 17 wickets in domestic cricket at a decent economy of 6.39. Impressive stuff. He was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2022 and has been part of both CSK and GT, but unfortunately, always been warming the bench!

Nishant, itching to prove himself at 21, should be suited in the lineup, and PBKS could be the place to start. Kings need an Indian all-rounder in the middle order that stabilizes the innings but also provides a few overs. Sindhu perfectly meets that requirement. Sindhu is young, flexible, and could be nurtured into a long-term asset.

Plus, having a domestic player who can contribute with bat and ball offers you more balance and versatility, critical when you are attempting to chase an IPL title. Sindhu could prove to be a bit of a gamble, but if he works out for them, PBKS could potentially hit the jackpot.

Will PBKS take a gamble and make some bold moves? Will they play it safe and potentially have another “almost” season? Which trade can have the biggest impact, in your opinion?