IPL 2026: Punjab Kings’ familiar downfall returns to haunt them

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have dug their own grave after suffering a sixth successive loss of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). A campaign that seemed destined to end their 19-year wait for an IPL crown has unravelled in no time as Punjab now find themselves in a precarious position.

The Shreyas Iyer-led side was the most feared side of the tournament in the first month as they began the season by winning six out of their first seven matches, while one game got washed out. Punjab were setting new benchmarks with their batting prowess, making a mockery of humongous targets with their belligerent approach.

However, after a remarkable start, PBKS' campaign has suddenly gone astray, losing six matches on the trot that have exposed glaring cracks in their squad. They've been consistently failing in all three departments as their batting has been heavily dependent on the top four players, while PBKS are also the worst-performing bowling side of the season.

Bowling woes and fielding lapses letting down Punjab

Punjab have the worst average (35.36) and economy (10.82) among all teams in the ongoing edition so far. However, it’s their fielding that has let them down the most, as last year’s runners-up have the second-worst catch efficiency of IPL 2026.

In a format where small moments often decide the outcome, dropped catches and sloppy work on the field have cost them dearly. All of these factors have contributed to a bizarre downfall of Punjab, who were hot favourites to lift the title in the first month of the season.

After remaining in the upper rungs of the IPL 2026 points table, they have suddenly slipped to fourth spot with 13 points from as many games.

A familiar story unfolds again

Another loss in their last fixture will knock them out of the competition. However, it’s not the first time that Punjab have failed to build on their early success as they had a similar campaign in 2018 under the leadership of Ravichandran Ashwin.

After winning five out of their first six matches, PBKS went on to lose seven out of their last eight games to finish seventh on the points table with 12 points. Again in 2019, despite winning four out of their first six matches, Punjab failed to build on their momentum, winning only two out of their last eight games to finish sixth on the points table.

PBKS will again head into their last game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 23 with their back firmly against the wall, as another loss will knock them out of the competition.

Punjab in desperate search of a miracle

Even a victory won’t guarantee a place in the top four as they will be dependent on the results of Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Hence, a lot will be riding on Punjab’s shoulders as they head into their last fixture. The Shreyas Iyer-led side will have to bring their A game to the fore, not only to qualify but also to salvage their pride amid constant pressure from all around.

Punjab need to rediscover the fearlessness that defined the opening weeks of the tournament. From the top-order batters to the bowlers and fielders, they need a complete performance, which at the moment seems a far-fetched dream.