After securing six wins in their first seven matches in the IPL 2026 season and having one game washed out because of rain, Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings (PBKS) were riding high on positive momentum. However, things have changed, as they have endured a big slump in their ongoing campaign. After their fifth consecutive loss, fans are wondering how PBKS can reach the playoffs. The qualification scenarios have also started to emerge.
How many games PBKS have played in IPL 2026?
Talking about PBKS, they endured a loss against Mumbai Indians (MI) in a game that they had almost won. MI scored more than 50 runs in the last 17 balls and pushed PBKs towards defeat. As an outcome, the Shreyas Iyer-led side recorded their fifth consecutive loss in their 12th game of the IPL season, and the threat of missing out on the playoffs is now looming over the side.
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What will PBKS need to do now to secure a playoff berth?
A team generally needs a minimum of 16 points to qualify for the IPL playoffs. Currently, PBKS have 13 points in hand and have two games remaining. The situation has now become a do-or-die one for the team.
To reach the playoffs, Punjab must aim to win both of their remaining games. First against table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and then against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The game against RCB will be a difficult challenge for PBKS, while Lucknow's poor form could give them a slight edge in the second clash.
However, considering the way PBKS have lost momentum in recent outings, it remains to be seen whether they can win both of their remaining fixtures and secure a playoff spot.
What happens if PBKS wins only one game?
If PBKS manage to win only one of their remaining games, their points tally will reach just 15 points, which would make their chances of qualifying for the playoffs very tough.
In that scenario, PBKS would have to depend on other results and hope that not more than three teams go past the 14-point mark. Only then could their playoff hopes stay alive.
However, the best and safest route for PBKS would be to secure wins in both of their remaining games and secure a direct qualification for the playoffs.