Punjab Kings have set a high bar in IPL 2026, carrying forward the momentum that saw them reach the title match last year. Coming into the new campaign after finishing runners-up in IPL 2025, PBKS are the only side still unbeaten in the tournament so far. From four outings, they have collected three wins, while one fixture has been washed out with no result—an early run that has pushed them right up near the top of the points table.
Star power backs Punjab Kings’ early surge
The Punjab Kings’ steady performances have not gone unnoticed beyond cricket circles. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan posted a message to Preity Zinta, praising the team’s form as the strong start continued. He wrote on X: “Well done, Zinta. Congratulations, Zinta. Team is playing well … @realpreityzinta.” The post was dated April 13, 2026.
Faf du Plessis lauds PBKS batting depth and Shreyas Iyer’s impact
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has also thrown his weight behind Punjab Kings, highlighting their batting depth as a key reason they look like genuine title contenders in IPL 2026. Speaking on Star Sports, du Plessis said the PBKS batting group has been consistently producing—much like it did during the previous season when the franchise marched to the final.
- Du Plessis said PBKS batters have been “doing really well” and that their batting unit continues to deliver again this season.
- He noted that last season, every batter played an important role in helping the team reach the final, and that same pattern is showing up in 2026.
- He pointed out captain Shreyas Iyer’s turnaround after a slow start with the bat, saying the skipper responded with a match-winning performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Mullanpur on Saturday.
- Du Plessis added that Iyer is the only top-four batter who had not scored runs so far before that innings, and that he then produced a big score to take PBKS through against SRH.
While praising Punjab’s overall balance, du Plessis identified a couple of bowling-related concerns. He specifically referenced Arshdeep Singh’s form and mentioned that Marco Jansen had an off day.
- Du Plessis felt Arshdeep Singh “is perhaps not bowling as well as he would want.”
- He said Marco Jansen had “an off day.”
- Despite those points, he insisted the issues are not serious and that the team is ticking every box.
Du Plessis concluded by calling Punjab Kings “among the title favourites,” stressing the franchise’s balanced squad and the strong batting momentum they have built so far. He reiterated that, for him, they remain among the leading contenders.
PBKS keep rolling with a six-wicket win over SRH in New Chandigarh
Punjab Kings continued their impressive run with a thrilling six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. After winning the toss, PBKS chose to bowl first and faced an aggressive Hyderabad innings that hurtled to 120 without loss in just eight overs.
However, Punjab’s bowlers struck back strongly, restricting SRH to 219/6. In reply, the PBKS batting lineup once again looked in control. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh set the tone with quick runs—Arya made 57 off 20 balls and Singh struck 51 off 25 balls to give the chase a rapid start.
Captain Shreyas Iyer then took charge in the closing phase, delivering a finishing masterclass. He remained unbeaten on 69 from just 33 balls and guided Punjab to 223/4 in 18.5 overs, sealing the win with 6 wickets to spare.
