Punjab Kings (PBKS) handed an Indian Premier League (IPL) debut to Australian cricketer Ben Dwarshuis during their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Monday, May 11.
After winning the toss, Delhi Capitals elected to bowl first, and Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer confirmed at the toss that the 31-year-old Australian had been included in the playing XI for his maiden appearance in the Indian Premier League.
The inclusion of Dwarshuis immediately grabbed attention among fans, especially given his impressive record in T20 cricket around the world.
Who is Ben Dwarshuis?
Born on June 23, 1994, in Kareela, New South Wales, Benjamin James Dwarshuis is a left-arm fast-medium bowler known for his ability to deliver breakthroughs in both the powerplay and death overs.
Over the years, Dwarshuis has built a strong reputation as a dependable T20 specialist and has represented Australia national cricket team in the shortest format of the game.
So far, the Australian pacer has featured in 15 T20 Internationals, picking up 22 wickets at an average of 24.36. Despite bowling in high-pressure situations regularly, he has maintained a strike-taking role for his side.
His overall T20 numbers further highlight his experience in franchise cricket. Across 188 T20 matches, Ben Dwarshuis has claimed 236 wickets at an average of 23.22 while maintaining an economy rate of 8.33.
Apart from international cricket, the left-arm pacer has featured in several major T20 leagues around the globe, including the Big Bash League (BBL), Vitality Blast, Pakistan Super League (PSL), and The Hundred.
Punjab Kings signed Dwarshuis for ₹4.40 crore
Punjab Kings secured the services of Ben Dwarshuis during the IPL 2026 mini auction as they searched for a reliable overseas bowling option.
The franchise invested heavily in the Australian all-rounder, signing him for ₹4.40 crore. The deal also made Ben Dwarshuis Punjab Kings’ most expensive acquisition during the auction.
With PBKS fighting for crucial points in IPL 2026, the franchise will now hope that the experienced Australian can make an immediate impact in his debut appearance against Delhi Capitals.