Punjab Kings caught a lot of fans off guard when they decided to part ways with Josh Inglis ahead of IPL 2026, especially since he had a solid season with the team last year. The franchise hasn’t provided any official reason for this surprising move, which opens the door for speculation about their strategy, squad dynamics, and future plans. Here are a few possible reasons that might have led to this unexpected decision. PBKS’ Growing Trust in Mitch Owen One likely reason could be Punjab’s increasing faith in young Australian all-rounder Mitch Owen. His recent performances on the international stage have been quite impressive, showcasing his ability to hit big and handle pressure with maturity. PBKS might be looking to elevate his role in the middle order and invest in his long-term potential. By backing a young, versatile player, they could be aiming to establish a fresh core for the future, even if it means letting go of someone who has performed well, like Inglis. Also Read | Watch: Rishabh Pant Calls Jadeja “Jadender”, Jadeja Bowls Stubbs Moments Later Inglis Seeking to Test His Market Value Another angle to consider is Inglis’ personal ambitions. After consistently performing for Australia in white-ball formats, he might be eager to gauge his worth in the IPL auction. Re-entering the auction pool would give him a chance to see which teams view him as a valuable asset and possibly land a more prominent role. Given his strong showing with PBKS, it wouldn’t be surprising if Inglis feels this is the perfect time to explore better opportunities. Concerns About Full-Season Availability Australian players often have to balance national commitments, especially when international tours coincide with the IPL. This can create uncertainty for franchises that rely on a stable lineup throughout the season. PBKS may have weighed the possibility of Inglis missing games due to national duties. For a team focused on rebuilding and maintaining consistency, even minor concerns about player availability can significantly impact their decisions. While Inglis’ release is certainly unexpected and PBKS hasn’t shed light on their reasoning, these factors could provide some insight into their thought process.