We have crossed the first checkpoint of the T20 Cup 2026, and needless to say, our Shers have been out there roaring across the stadiums of India and Sri Lanka. From high-octane chases to clinical spells under the bright lights, the Punjab Kings contingent has carried the #SaddaPunjab spirit into their national colors.

On the eve of the Super 8s, we round up how our stars in the Red and Gold have crafted their campaigns so far on the international stage.

Arshdeep Singh (India)

It isn’t surprising that Arshdeep has been India’s leading light with the ball, providing early breakthroughs and closing out innings with ice in his veins. Be it the clinical 2/18 against the USA or his consistent ability to swing the ball back into the right-handers in the other two games he played, Arsh has been pivotal in India’s undefeated group-stage run. With his ability to swing the new ball and nail yorkers at will, the left-armer is a major reason why the Men in Blue enter the Super 8s as the team to beat!

Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)

Though Afghanistan narrowly missed out on the Super 8s in a stacked Group D, Azmatullah has been a key contributor. He proved his worth as a world-class all-rounder, particularly with the ball, nine wickets across the group stage, including a disciplined spell against the UAE (4/15). His grit and "never-say-die" attitude were pure #SaddaPunjab. With the bat, the AFG star notched 89 runs.

Marco Jansen (South Africa)

Height, pace, and pure intimidation! Marco Jansen has been the engine room of the Proteas' bowling attack with seven strikes in three outings. He showed his lion-hearted persona in the high-stakes battle against New Zealand, ripping through the top order and claiming 4/40. Leading the charge in the power plays, Jansen heads into the Super 8s as a certified match-winner.

Marcus Stoinis (Australia)

"The Hulk" had a forgettable campaign as Australia marked a surprise early exit in the T20 Cup 2026. He top-scored for the Aussies with a blistering 45 off just 29 balls against Ireland. Known for his deceptive medium pace, also yielding vital middle-over wickets (four) throughout the group stage, Marcus Stoinis showed that he is an X-factor.

Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand)

The "Kiwiland Express" is firing on all cylinders! Lockie Ferguson is the Black Caps' joint-highest wicket-taker with four scalps (alongside Matt Henry). Having the license to clock high speeds and deploy lethal bouncers, he was a key act in securing New Zealand's spot in the Super 8s.

Xavier Bartlett (Australia)

Making his World Cup debut, Xavier Barlett brought promise whenever he took the field for the Aussies, showcasing the swing and control we love. His 2/27 against Oman in Pallekele showed he can handle the pressure of the big stage, giving us a glimpse of the damage he’ll do in the PBKS jersey.

Ben Dwarshuis (Australia)

Ben paaji carried potential as one of the top bowlers in the T20 format, and got his chance to prove his mettle as he stepped in to play the game against Zimbabwe. While he notched 0/40 on the tough Colombo surface, his left-arm variety has left an impression on what to expect when he dons the Punjab colours in the upcoming T20 league season.

Cooper Connolly (Australia)

The young gun got his first taste of T20 Cup cricket, showing glimpses of his potential with the bat and as a versatile spin option. Connolly’s ability to adapt to the tricky tracks in Sri Lanka has been a massive learning curve for our rising star and for future assignments in the Aussie colours.