Former India batter Aakash Chopra said that Punjab Kings (PBKS) could face challenges with their bowling attack during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Chopra said that PBKS had retained most of their squad before the auction and made a few signings to fill gaps left by players such as Glenn Maxwell.
The Kings signed Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly for ₹3 crore. They boosted their pace options by signing Ben Dwarshuis for ₹4.4 crore. However, the two Australians are unlikely to make it into the playing XI with Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, and Yuzvendra Chahal forming the bowling attack.
I Am Not Hearing Good Stories About Lockie Ferguson – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that the Punjab Kings entered the auction after retaining the bulk of their squad. However, Chopra added that there is a weakness in PBKS’ bowling plans, as the team relies heavily on overseas pacers.
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“They bought only four players because they had retained 21. When you have so many retained players, you don’t need to buy much. Glenn Maxwell has left the IPL, so they had to take someone else. They have taken Cooper Connolly for ₹3 crore, which I think was a phenomenal buy, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey and Vishal Nishad,” Chopra said.
“They are more dependent on overseas fast bowling, beyond Arshdeep Singh. They have taken Ben Dwarshuis. Marco Jansen, who is in phenomenal form, is already available. I am not hearing good stories about Lockie Ferguson. I don’t know whether he will be available and fit, or else I really rate Lockie highly,” he added.
But They Are Still a Little Light in Bowling – Aakash Chopra
Chopra stated that the Punjab Kings have options in their pace attack but added that the quality and balance of the bowling unit are not fully convincing, leaving PBKS slightly under-resourced in that department despite the numbers.
“They had taken Mitchell Owen earlier and they had retained him. They have another bowler in Xavier Bartlett. Azmatullah Omarzai, Vijaykumar Vyshak – so it’s not like they don’t have bowlers, but they are still a little light in bowling,” he observed.
Lockie Ferguson’s fitness remains a concern for the Punjab Kings. The fast bowler featured in only four matches last season before a leg injury ended his campaign early.
The injury worries have continued beyond the IPL. Ferguson has recently picked up a calf issue while playing for the Desert Vipers in the International League T20, adding further uncertainty over his availability and fitness.
I Felt They Would Strengthen the Spin Department – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra believes Punjab Kings missed an opportunity to bolster their spin attack at the auction. Chopra stated that the lack of strong spin backups for Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar could become a concern for PBKS as the season progresses.
“I felt they would strengthen the spin department a little more. With the players they have taken, it hasn’t been a serious upgrade in the spin department. They have an excellent bowler in Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar is a utility player, but after them, you find that there isn’t much depth in spin bowling. This is one thing that troubles them slightly,” Chopra said.
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