NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings’ rollercoaster IPL 2026 has turned into a late-season nightmare, with a crushing loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday extending their slide to a sixth consecutive defeat and leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. After once looking like title contenders, the team’s momentum has evaporated at the most damaging time, forcing them to chase wins while also keeping a close eye on results elsewhere.
Punjab Kings’ collapse: from early control to late panic
Punjab Kings’ season began with terrifying confidence. They were unbeaten in seven matches during the first phase, collecting six wins along with one no result. But the change in fortune has been stark: the side that once looked unstoppable has now stumbled through a period of sustained setbacks.
The intensity of the downturn was visible even away from the pitch. Head coach Ricky Ponting was seen in the dugout with a frustrated, almost resigned look, seated alone as another defeat played out. Behind the scenes, franchise co-owner Preity Zinta was also spotted holding an extended, serious conversation with captain Shreyas Iyer after the match, highlighting the pressure building around the campaign.
How Royal Challengers Bengaluru seized control
Royal Challengers Bengaluru took charge in a way that made their playoff case impossible to ignore. They became the first team to secure a postseason spot, putting together a dominant all-round display.
Batting first, RCB posted 222/4, with Virat Kohli delivering a key knock of 58 off 37 balls. The momentum then surged further through Venkatesh Iyer, who remained unbeaten on 73 off 40. Devdutt Padikkal and Tim David also contributed valuable runs as Bengaluru built a total that looked well beyond reach for Punjab.
Punjab Kings’ chase and the turning point
When Punjab Kings went in to chase 223, they could manage only 199/8. Shashank Singh top-scored for them with 56 off 27 balls, but the innings never gained enough traction to seriously challenge Bengaluru’s score.
- Punjab Kings were restricted to 199/8 while chasing 223
- Shashank Singh made 56 off 27 balls in a losing cause
- The defeat marked Punjab’s sixth straight loss
Reflecting on the game, Shreyas Iyer suggested the outcome was effectively sealed early. “Obviously, they got off to a great start… I think the match was lost in the powerplay,” he said.
Iyer also pointed to the way Punjab’s top order struggled to replicate the kind of starts they had been providing earlier in the season. “We were three down… the starts they used to give us in the powerplay, obviously we couldn’t get this time,” he added.
Shreyas Iyer insists on belief despite the setback
Even with the slump worsening, the PBKS captain maintained a defiant mindset about what comes next. “I’m always positive irrespective of the results,” he said. He then added a message meant to steady the dressing room: “Tomorrow again I’m going to see the sunrise… there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
- RCB confirmed a playoff berth with a commanding all-round performance
- PBKS’ late collapse extended to six consecutive defeats
- Captain Shreyas Iyer said the match swung during the powerplay
