Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign is on the brink after a crushing 23-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala on Sunday, extending their losing streak to six matches. What once appeared to be a dream season for PBKS has suddenly spiralled into a desperate battle for survival, with the team now dependent on favourable results elsewhere to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The disappointment was evident immediately after the match. Head coach Ricky Ponting sat alone in the dugout, visibly frustrated as another opportunity slipped away, while captain Shreyas Iyer was locked in a serious discussion with co-owner Preity Zinta on the field. Zinta, who has travelled closely with the squad throughout the season, appeared equally concerned
as Punjab’s dramatic collapse continued.
See Here:
Ricky Ponting sitting alone in the dugout dejected. pic.twitter.com/N0aZjc3sIA
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 17, 2026
Seeing Preity Zinta man and Shreyas this sad really hurts 🥺😭💔
— Shreyass Eraa (@IyerShreyass) May 17, 2026
How RCB Beat PBKS?
RCB dominated the contest after piling up 222/4 in 20 overs. Venkatesh Iyer led the charge with a blistering unbeaten 73, while Virat Kohli produced another fluent knock of 58 off 37 balls. Punjab’s bowling attack once again failed to strike at crucial moments, a recurring problem during their slump.
Reflecting on the defeat, Shreyas admitted Punjab lost control of the match during the powerplay itself.
“Obviously, they got off to a great start and then started taking on the bowlers right after the powerplay. I think getting to 222 was a commendable performance and we weren’t able to take wickets in the bowling that much, but yeah, I think the match was lost in the powerplay,” Shreyas said after the match.
Punjab’s chase never truly recovered after early setbacks, despite a counterattack from Shashank Singh, who smashed 56 off 27 balls, and Marcus Stoinis, who added 37.
“We were three down and the majority of our run scorers were Prabhsimran and Priyansh. The starts they used to give us in the powerplay, obviously we couldn’t get this time and also me coming in and getting out early. Really disappointed, but commendable performance by Shashank and Stoinis and also a few others in the middle,” he said.
Despite the mounting pressure, Shreyas insisted the team would continue fighting.
“I’m always positive irrespective of the results. This is over, this is gone. Tomorrow again I’m going to see the sunrise and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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