Nehal Wadhera continues his IPL journey in 2026 as one of Punjab Kings’ most promising young middle-order batters. The stylish left-hander combines clean hitting with powerful stroke play, making him a strong asset for PBKS in pressure situations. After two impressive seasons with the franchise, PBKS retained him for IPL 2026, confirming their long-term trust in his talent and finishing abilities.
The 25-year-old left-hander carries a reputation as a fearless batter who can accelerate quickly, stabilize the middle overs, and dominate both pace and spin.
IPL 2026 Price & Team
Nehal Wadhera IPL 2026 Team
- Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Nehal Wadhera IPL 2026 Price
- ₹4.20 Crore (Retained)
PBKS kept Nehal Wadhera in their core group for IPL 2026 at his previous auction price, showing confidence in his development as a long-term investment.
Read more: – IPL 2026 Released Players List
Nehal Wadhera IPL Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nehal Wadhera |
| Born | 04 September 2000 |
| Role | Batter |
| Batting Style | Left-Handed |
| IPL Debut | 2023 |
| IPL 2026 Team | Punjab Kings |
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹4.20 Crore |
Nehal Wadhera’s Journey & Rising Career
Nehal Wadhera is one of the brightest batting talents produced by Punjab cricket in recent years. His blend of timing, aggression, and elegance earned him recognition early in his domestic career. His rise includes:
- 123 runs on his Ranji Trophy debut for Punjab.
- A stunning 214-run knock against Madhya Pradesh in the same season.
- 578-run world-record score in a U-23 tournament, showcasing his potential.
- 251 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024–25 at a strike rate of over 153, including a match-winning 68 off 34*.
His IPL journey began with Mumbai Indians in 2023, where he scored two crucial fifties. By 2025, PBKS secured him in the mega auction, making him a core member of their middle order.
As PBKS rebuild their batting lineup under experienced leadership, Nehal’s aggressive left-handed presence adds crucial balance and finishing depth.
Nehal Wadhera IPL Career Stats
Overall IPL Batting Record
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score | 50s | 100s | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 719 | 26.63 | 142.94 | 70 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 39 |
Overall IPL Fielding Record
| Matches | Catches |
|---|---|
| 36 | 12 |
Overall IPL Bowling (Part-Time)
| Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 22 | 0 | 0/13 | 7.76 |
Nehal Wadhera Season-Wise IPL Batting Stats
Season-by-Season Performance Table
| Season | Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 16 | 369 | 70 | 30.75 | 145.85 | 2 | 28 | 21 |
| 2024 | 6 | 109 | 49 | 18.17 | 129.76 | 0 | 9 | 6 |
| 2023 | 14 | 241 | 64 | 26.78 | 145.18 | 2 | 23 | 12 |
He has shown consistent improvement every season, especially in 2025 where he became a dependable middle-order contributor.
Nehal Wadhera Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ₹20 Lakhs | MI |
| 2025 | ₹4.20 Crore | PBKS |
| 2026 | ₹4.20 Crore (Retained) | PBKS |
Nehal Wadhera – Last 10 IPL Innings
| Match | Runs (Balls) |
|---|---|
| Final vs RCB | 15 (18) |
| Qualifier 2 vs MI | 48 (29) |
| Qualifier 1 vs RCB | 8 (10) |
| Match 69 vs MI | 2 (2) |
| Match 66 vs DC | 16 (16) |
| Match 59 vs RR | 70 (37) |
| Match 58 vs DC | 0 (0) |
| Match 54 vs LSG | 16 (9) |
| Match 49 vs CSK | 5 (3) |
| Match 44 vs KKR | 0 (0) |
This sequence shows his ability to anchor innings as well as play impactful cameos when needed.
Like to know? IPL 2026 Trade Players List
Role & Importance for PBKS in IPL 2026
Why PBKS Retained Nehal Wadhera
- Reliable left-handed option in the middle order
- Strong striker with high boundary-hitting ability
- Proven performer in pressure situations
- Young talent with long-term potential
- Adds batting depth and stability
Expected Role in IPL 2026
Nehal is expected to:
- Strengthen the middle overs
- Accelerate between overs 7–15
- Provide finishing support
- Bring balance to the batting lineup with his left-handed variety
Under PBKS’ new leadership structure, he stands out as one of the most exciting young players to watch in the 2026 season.
Conclusion
Nehal Wadhera’s rise has been steady, consistent, and full of promise. From smashing a world-record knock at junior level to delivering impactful performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, he has become a key figure in PBKS’ plans. Retained at ₹4.20 crore for IPL 2026, he carries both responsibility and opportunity to take his performance to the next level.
With elegance, power, and increasing maturity, Nehal Wadhera is set to play an important role in PBKS’ campaign as they push for a strong finish in IPL 2026.
