Building on their spectacular run as IPL 2025 finalists, Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings (PBKS) enter the 2026 season looking to go one step further and secure their maiden title.
Here is the 2026 schedule and the deep-dive insights for the Kings:
| Match | Date | Day | Fixture | Venue | Time (IST) |
| 4 | 31 Mar | Tue | PBKS vs GT | Mullanpur | 7:30 PM |
| 7 | 03 Apr | Fri | CSK vs PBKS | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| 12 | 06 Apr | Mon | KKR vs PBKS | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 17 | 11 Apr | Sat | PBKS vs SRH | Mullanpur | 3:30 PM |
For Full Schedule: Click Here
1. A Season for Stability & A Dedicated Captain
After years of frequent changes in captaincy and squad, PBKS enters 2026 with a clear sense of purpose:
Shreyas Iyer’s Mission: Shreyas Iyer continues as captain, bringing his experience of leading teams to the playoffs. His primary goal is to foster a winning mentality and provide much-needed stability to the Kings.
Core Retention: They have maintained a consistent core, including the destructive Prabhsimran Singh, the reliable Arshdeep Singh, and the all-round skills of Sam Curran. This continuity is expected to be a major strength.
2. The Mullanpur Edge: A Fortified Fortress
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, is now PBKS’s full-time home ground:
Rejuvenated Environment: Having a state-of-the-art home allows them to better understand and exploit local pitch conditions. The team is scheduled to play four home matches at this venue, with an additional three home matches expected to be held in Dharamshala.
Passionate Fanbase: PBKS aims to build a strong home-ground advantage, counting on the enthusiastic support of their local fans to create an electric and imposing atmosphere for opposing teams.
3. Strategic Match Insights (Phase 1)
The opener (March 31 vs GT): Their first match in Mullanpur against Gujarat Titans will be a crucial test of their home-field strategy and an opportunity to set the tone for the season.
The “Southern Duel” (April 3 vs CSK): This match at the spin-friendly Chepauk Stadium will challenge PBKS’s batsmen, particularly against the formidable spin bowlers of Chennai.
Logistical Challenge: Phase 1 involves a fair amount of travel—from Chandigarh to Chennai and Kolkata before returning home. Managing player fatigue and adapting quickly to different conditions will be key to their success.
PBKS Squad Snapshot 2026
- Top Order: Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Riley Rossouw.
- Middle Order/Finishers: Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Jitesh Sharma, Sam Curran.
- Spin Dept: Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Ashutosh Sharma.
- Pace Battery: Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Vidhwath Kaverappa.
Read Now: PBKS IPL 2026 Squad Analysis