Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has identified Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) overseas bowlers, particularly Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett, as a primary factor in the team’s difficulties during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
This followed PBKS’ sixth defeat of the season, a six-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians (MI) on Thursday, marking their fifth consecutive loss.
PBKS began the IPL with six consecutive victories but have since seen their form decline sharply. They currently sit fourth on the IPL points table with 13 points from 12 matches, needing to win their remaining two games to secure a playoff spot.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Chawla remarked on the pressure faced by the team, saying, “Punjab Kings are now under tremendous pressure because they’ve reached a stage where they must win their remaining games to stay alive in the tournament.” He emphasised the team’s bowling challenges, noting, “The bowling has become a major concern, especially with their overseas fast bowlers struggling for form and consistency.”
Chawla specifically criticised Jansen and Bartlett, stating, “Marco Jansen hasn’t looked at his best, while Xavier Bartlett has found it difficult once the new-ball spell is over. When your premier overseas pacers concede heavily across their combined spells, it becomes extremely difficult to control a 200-plus chase.” In the latest match, Jansen took 1/55 in four overs, while Bartlett was wicketless, conceding 0/55 in 3.5 overs.
PBKS head coach Mark Boucher acknowledged the challenging position of the team following a series of close defeats after a strong start. He suggested that focusing less on playoff qualification might relieve pressure: “Sometimes, constantly thinking about the top four and qualification scenarios can add extra pressure, and perhaps stepping away from that mindset could actually help them. If they approach the remaining games with a more fearless attitude and feel like they have nothing to lose, it might free them up mentally.” He added that “the IPL is a tournament where momentum can shift very quickly… Punjab Kings now need to reset mentally and focus purely on playing their best cricket in the matches ahead.”
In Thursday’s match, MI won the toss and chose to bowl first. PBKS began well, with a 50-run partnership between Priyansh Arya (22 runs from 17 balls, including four boundaries) and Prabhsimran Singh, who scored 57 from 32 balls with six fours and four sixes. Following a 57-run stand between Prabhsimran and Cooper Connolly (21), PBKS were 107 for 1 before collapsing to 140 for 7.
Cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai (38 off 17 balls, including two fours and four sixes), Vishnu Vinod (15 not out), and Xavier Bartlett (18 not out) helped PBKS reach a total of 200 for 8 in 20 overs. Shardul Thakur (4/39) and Deepak Chahar (2/36) were MI’s leading bowlers.
During the run chase, Ryan Rickelton scored 48 runs off 23 balls with four boundaries and four sixes, and Rohit Sharma contributed 25 off 26 balls with two sixes, putting on a 61-run partnership. Despite regular wickets falling for PBKS, at 149 for 4 in the 17th over the match appeared balanced. However, Tilak (75 not out from 33 balls, with six fours and six sixes) and Will Jacks (25 not out from 10 balls, including two fours and two sixes) added an explosive 56-run partnership to secure victory for MI with one ball to spare.
Bowling figures for PBKS included Omarzai (2/36 in four overs), Yuzvendra Chahal (1/32 in four overs), and Arshdeep Singh (0/29 in four overs). However, the overseas pacers Jansen and Bartlett continued to concede runs heavily.
MI currently occupy eighth position on the points table with four wins and eight losses, earning eight points. PBKS remain in the top four with six wins, five losses, and one no result, totaling 13 points. Should Chennai Super Kings defeat Lucknow Super Giants on Friday, PBKS would face increased pressure to maintain their position.