Punjab Kings (PBKS) are going through an extended rough patch in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. On May 17, they lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 23 runs, their sixth defeat on the trot, pushing them on the brink of elimination from playoffs race. After seven games, PBKS were unbeaten but a long-running streak of defeats as left their campaign in disarray. After another loss at their second home venue Dharamsala, a dejected head coach, Ricky Ponting was seen sitting alone in the dugout. Former PBKS captain Ravichandran Ashwin sympathised with Ponting, saying he was in a similar position in the 2018 edition where PBKS failed to make it to playoffs. Ashwin slammed PBKS for having two home venues, unlike champion franchises Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
"I saw a powerful picture on TV after the match today. Ricky Ponting was leaning forward in the dugout, all alone. He must have a lot going on inside his head. They were in the prime position to run away and take the top two spot in this tournament. I think they must be asking themselves where they went wrong. I sat on the same chair in 2018. I am not defending them, but I said in the last episode as well, the three or four champion teams don't play at different home venues. You were winning in Mullanpur continuously, then you went to Dharamshala and you lost three consecutive home games," Ashwin said on Ash Ki Baat.
Poor bowling and a huge number of dropped catches led to PBKS’ downfall this season. After they failed to chase down 223 in Dharamsala, PBKS’ playoffs chances are dependent on others. The runners-up of the previous edition are currently placed fourth on the points table. They have 13 points from 13 games, including six wins, as many losses and a no result game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
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How PBKS can qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs?
PBKS' last game is against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 23. Before that, they would need a number of games to go their way. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) can go up to 18 points. Meanwhile, CSK and Rajasthan Royals (RR) can go up to 16 points. KKR can equal them as they currently have 11 points with two games to go. PBKS' net run rate (NRR) has taken a hit. Their NRR of +0.227 is slightly better than CSK and RR. If KKR win their next game, PBKS also need to ensure they need by a good margin as Ajinkya Rahane-led side face Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 24. Overall, PBKS have very slim chances to maintain their position in last four.