Punjab Kings have faced defeat in 5 consecutive matchesImage Credit source: PTI
After the end of the last season of IPL, when Punjab Kings failed to cross the hurdle of the finals, the same question was arising – will this team be able to perform like this again? Then when the IPL 2026 season started, Shreyas Iyer’s team started in the same style as the team was doing in the last season. The team remained number-1 without losing in 7 consecutive matches. But since then the team’s losing streak has continued and the team that was once a table topper is in danger of reaching the playoffs. The question is arising – will this team be able to move forward now?
The answer to this is both yes and no. For this, the equation of the team has to be understood and before understanding that, it is also important to take a glimpse of the team’s journey so far. Punjab Started this season with 13 points in 7 matches. The team had won 6 matches, while one match was cancelled. Since then this team has lost 5 consecutive matches. In this way, even after 12 matches, he has only 13 points.
What are the further equations for Punjab?
At one time Punjab was at number one and now it is at number four, whereas before playing its next match, it may be out of the top-4. Now what is the playoff equation for Punjab? Which teams threaten them? Now only 2 matches are left for Punjab and it will have to win both these matches to secure a place in the playoffs. In this, the team’s first match is against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 17th May, while the last match is against Lucknow Super Giants on 23rd May.
Now the match against Bengaluru is more difficult, because the team had lost 3 consecutive matches to RCB including the final in the last season. This time also Bengaluru is in excellent form. If the team loses this match then it will have to win the last match, which is from Lucknow. This match may prove to be a bit easy for them but even then they will have only 15 points and will have to depend on other teams. If the team wins both, then it can reach with 17 points.
These 2 teams are the biggest threat to Punjab
At present, the biggest threat to Punjab is from Chennai Super Kings, who have 12 points in 11 matches. The team has to play its 12th match on 15th May against Lucknow, whom it had defeated in the previous match. If it wins this match, Chennai will come to fourth place. However, CSK’s last 2 matches are against Gujarat and Hyderabad and these two matches will be the most difficult for them. If the team loses this match then the path for Punjab may become easier.
The second team is Rajasthan Royals, whose condition is also similar to that of Punjab Kings. After an excellent start, Rajasthan’s train also derailed. Rajasthan also has 12 points in 11 matches. But his last 3 matches are against Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow. If the team wins these three matches or even two matches, then it can create trouble for Punjab. These three teams are not in rhythm and in such a situation Rajasthan is in a strong position. In such a situation, Punjab should win both its matches and the other two teams should lose all their matches or at least 2 matches.
