Top 3 opening combos PBKS can attempt in IPL 2026 ft. Priyansh Arya

Punjab Kings (PBKS) relished a stable opening combination over the course of their run to the finals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Final. The pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh showcased excellent chemistry and complemented each other well to avoid giving the franchise headaches regarding the top order.

However, with Prabhsimran Singh’s record of inconsistency over the years, coupled with Priyansh Arya heading into his second season, which is an unpredictable avenue for newcomers, PBKS will have to be prepared with some alternative plans, and combinations.

If the mini auction was any indication, PBKS do not intend to tweak the opening combination, and bank on their bench to step up as openers should things go awry. On that note, let us take a look at the top three opening combinations PBKS can try in IPL 2026.

#1 Priyansh Arya – Prabhsimran Singh

Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh were among the most successful opening pairs in IPL 2025, right alongside the likes of Gill-Sudharsan, Salt-Kohli, and Markram-Marsh. The pair scored 532 runs in 17 innings at an average of 31.29, including one fifty-plus stand, and one hundred-plus stand.

While the pair tick a lot of boxes in terms of a left-hand-right-hand pair, their penchant for brisk starts and ability to take on bowlers and dominate them from the get-go, there are some drawbacks with the pairing that cannot be left alone.

For instance, neither of them is heading into the IPL with some red-hot form. Both players had a disappointing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) campaign as per their high standards, and the scratchy form has followed them ever since.

Another aspect to be noted is that while the pair have undeniably clicked, PBKS have not had enough games where both of them have clicked together. Given the stark difference between their impressive individual averages and medicore average as a pair, the franchise need both of them to step up together for the middle-order to come into play with freedom.

#2 Priyansh Arya – Mitchell Owen

If PBKS wish to maintain a left-hand-right-hand pairing, they will have no choice but to stick with Priyansh Arya, as there is no other alternative. It is to be noted that skipper Shreyas Iyer has confirmed that southpaw Cooper Connolly will feature at No.3, so he is not an option for the top of the order.

Should trouble arise with Prabhsimran Singh in the form of poor returns or injury, PBKS have the option to turn to as a replacement opener. Australia’s Mitchell Owen, who has been one of the most destructive openers in recent times, is a solid option.

The explosive right-handed batter has produced some excellent numbers while opening the batting for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League (BBL), especially during their historic 2024-25 season. In the IPL and T20Is, he has had to settle for a middle-order role given the lack of vacancy at the top.

But given his ability to hit sixes nonchalantly, his strong game against pace, and ability to play long innings, he is the perfect fit if PBKS deem a change is necessary.

#3 Priyansh Arya – Vishnu Vinod

Displacing Prabhsimran Singh from the squad means not only losing an opener, but a wicket-keeper. If the team wishes to maintain a combination where the wicket-keeper slot is the same as the opener’s without having to compromise their middle order combination, then the only alternative they have is in the form of Vishnu Vinod.

The 32-year-old usually operates as a middle-order batter in the longer formats, but has opened at times in T20 cricket, and has produced some good numbers. He opened the batting for the Aries Kollam Sailors in the Kerala Cricket League (KCL), and scored 301 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 200.67.

He recently scored an unbeaten quickfire cameo of 26 runs off 10 deliveries during the intra-squad practice match, which showcases that he is in decent touch, and is more than a decent back-up wicket-keeper opener for PBKS.