Punjab Kings’ last match todayImage Credit source: PTI
About 28 days ago, when Punjab Kings achieved the target of 265 runs with 7 balls to spare at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, everyone was shocked. This was the biggest successful run chase in IPL history. Then famous commentator Aakash Chopra had announced in a social media post that he should be given the trophy right away. Hardly anyone would have thought then that almost a month later, Punjab would be struggling to reach the playoffs in its last match and even then it would be difficult to reach.
But this is the thrill and mystery of IPL. It doesn’t take long for luck to turn here and IPL 2026 This is what has happened with Punjab Kings. This team, captained by Shreyas Iyer, had reached the finals last season and was the strongest team along with Royal Challenger Bangalore. This season too, the same expectation was made from the team, which seemed to be proved right in the first 7 matches, when the team won 6 matches and one match was cancelled.
It is important to win today, playoff still not decided
This was the time when Punjab Kings was number one in the points table. But on Saturday, May 23, when the Punjab team will face Lucknow Super Giants on the ground of Lucknow, it will make one last attempt to move ahead from the same 13 points on which it is stuck for the last 28 days. Punjab has its last chance against Lucknow, where it is necessary to win at any cost. If the team wins this match, it will get 15 points and will remain in the race for the playoffs. If you lose then the game is over.
However, despite the victory, Punjab will not get the playoff ticket. This is because Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have to play their respective matches on Sunday. The first match is of Rajasthan and if it wins then Rajasthan will directly reach the playoffs. If Rajasthan loses, then eyes will be on Kolkata because it also has 13 points. If Kolkata wins then it will also have 15 points equal to Punjab and in such a situation the decision will be taken on the basis of net run rate.
Dhoni’s chance to equalize
This match will also be special for Iyer because if Punjab reaches the playoffs, he will have a chance to do something which only MS Dhoni has been able to do till date. If Punjab Kings reaches the finals after reaching the playoffs, then Iyer will become only the second captain to play the finals in three consecutive seasons. Under the captaincy of Iyer, Kolkata won the title in 2024. Then in 2025, Punjab lost in the final. Till now, Chennai Super Kings had played the finals of 2010, 2011 and 2012 only under the captaincy of Dhoni.
