PBKS are the only team who are still unbeaten in the tournament. Yes, they have been largely good, but one of their biggest concerns is the form of their premier pacer, Arshdeep Singh. His economy rate has been up, while he has picked up only two wickets in IPL 2026 so far. In fact, Vijaykumar Vyshak, who has been their best bowler so far, has picked up 5 wickets, at an economy of over 10.
So come the match vs MI, they might want to sort a few things. Indisesport takes a look at the predicted PBKS playing XI.
No changes needed in batting
Even though PBKS batters haven’t really stolen the show as yet, there have been a few performances of class. Shreyas Iyer has scored 137 runs in 4 matches, at an average of 68, and the strike rate has been up at 187. Prabhsimran has been decent with 131 in as many matches, with an average of 43. Cooper Connolly and Priyansh Arya too have over 100 runs.
There is enough fire-power in the batting unit, and the likes of Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen can do the heavy-lifting in the backend of the innings. The lower order, again, hasn’t been at their best, but that depends solely on the opportunities they get.
Play more spinners
There is a saying, that don’t fix something that isn’t broken. Punjab have been going well with just one spinner, Yiuzvendra Chahal, but there would be no harm if they get in someone like Harpreet Brar in the XI. His career economy has been only 8, and can do really well.
Getting another spinner might not be a bad ploy, given how expensive the Punjab pacers have been. He will also give some support to Yuzi Chahal, who has been largely good.
Leave out Arshdeep Singh, Bartlett
Arshdeep averages 74 this year, has picked up two wickets in 4 matches, and economy has been well over 10.50. Even these figures don’t make him a bad bowler, but he needs to be given a wake up call for sure. Similar is the case with Bartlett. They should be replaced either by Yash Thakur or Dwarshuis. The Indian youngster has a career economy rate of 8 and has picked up over 100 wickets in 73 matches.
Predicted PBKS playing XI
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Impact sub: Yash Thakur/BenDwarshuis.
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