IPL: 3 Players Punjab Kings regretted releasing

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are counted amongst the most underachieving sides in the Indian Premier League history. Out of the 19 seasons so far, PBKS have qualified for the final just twice and failed to win the title on both occasions.

Among the franchises that have been a part of the tournament since the first season, Punjab Kings are the only team to have the least number of playoff appearances (three). Much of it is due to their inability to retain the right talent. Here’s a look at the top three players PBKS regret releasing:

1. Kagiso Rabada

The South African speedster was bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the 2022 season for INR 9.25 Crore. He had a brilliant first season, finishing as the season’s third-highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets from 13 innings. However, after a couple of quiet seasons, he was let go by the franchise.

Kagiso Rabada has proven to be spectacular since his return after a drug-use suspension in 2025, ending the 2026 season with 29 wickets in 16 games to take the IPL Purple Cap award. Considering how PBKS have struggled with their pace options outside their mainstays in Jansen & Arshdeep, Rabada would've been a great addition to ther attack.

2. Varun Chakravarthy

Chakravarthy made his IPL debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2019 after being signed by the franchise for INR 8.4 Crore. However, he was released by the team in the following season. Since then, Varun Chakravarthy has become one of the premier spinners in the world, having bamboozled several top batters.

He has been regularly amongst the wickets for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and has been an integral part of their bowling attack over the years. With Punjab struggling to find a good spin partner to Yuzvendra Chahal, Chakravarthy could’ve forged a lethal spin attack with the wrist spinner.

3. Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh was bought by Punjab ahead of the 2017 season for INR 10 lakh. However, he didn’t get a chance throughout the season and was released ahead of the following edition. Kolkata Knight Riders went on to sign Rinku for INR 80 lakh in 2018, and the southpaw had a few quiet seasons before finally flourishing in 2023.

A consistent finisher who can also guide a team through crisis situations, and being one of India's best fielders in T20 cricket at the moment, Rinku Singh would've been a fine asset to have in PBKS' current side.