NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings have undergone a remarkable transformation in just one season, to the point where co-owner Ness Wadia believes the now "settled" squad barely needs to participate in the upcoming IPL auction.

It marks a dramatic shift from last year, when the franchise retained only two players and entered the auction with a massive purse of Rs 110.5 crore after struggling for continuity. A weak core had previously forced them into heavy spending across multiple seasons.

However, the past 12 months have flipped the script, with the leadership duo of captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting driving a turnaround that led PBKS to their first final in 11 years.

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With just Rs 11.5 crore remaining and only four spots to fill for the 2026 season, the PBKS management is likely to play a largely passive role at the Abu Dhabi auction, content to watch rather than overhaul.

Glenn Maxwell's exit was widely anticipated, while head coach Ricky Ponting decided to release Josh Inglis due to his expected unavailability for much of the campaign. Among Indian players, Praveen Dubey, Kuldeep Sen and Vishnu Vinod were also let go, none of whom were regulars in the first-choice playing XI.

Speaking to PTI, Wadia gave due credit to Iyer and Ponting on building a formidable side before saying the goal remains to win the elusive IPL trophy.

"We've tried to build a culture of togetherness. And all the players, even those who we've released, we do so with a heavy heart. We have a good balance and great leaders in Shreyas and Ricky. We don't even really need to go into the auction. But we will to see how to solidify what we already have, which is a very solid team," said Wadia.

"The mega auction for us in Jeddah last year was very crucial. Now that we have Ricky and Shreyas working together with all their very valuable support staff, we're very comfortable with where we are.

"We're really in a position to keep challenging, not only like we did last year, but for many years to come. The job is not done yet as the goal was always to win the IPL."

Having inspired many with their brand of cricket last season, how tough would it be to do it all over again in pursuit of that trophy?

"So our objective was to really get us into a position to be able to challenge and be the best of the best. Season one, we've done it. We have to repeat that again and make sure that we do that consistently," said Wadia.

When asked what stood out for him in the team's approach last season after seasons of disappointment, Wadia said the squad's biggest success was gaining a new audience with their attractive play.

"They brought a different new game and backed their instincts and it was fun to watch. I loved watching us. And I know a lot of people loved watching us as well. Some of my friends and family who never watch cricket, they enjoyed watching us play. They captured the minds and hearts of everyone.

"Having said that, nothing succeeds like winning. Everyone loves a winner and that is what we would be working towards this season," Wadia concluded.