From Table Toppers to Danger of Elimination: Rise & Fall of PBKS in IPL 2026

After the 1st half of IPL 2026 was complete, PBKS were in a class of their own. They had chased down a record score, won games out of nowhere and were the only unbeaten ones. Shreyas Iyer’s men were topping the points table with six wins and a no-result. A place in the Playoffs looked all but assured. A Funny Game Called Cricket But cricket is a funny old game. It’s also a great leveller and sooner or later, the law of averages catches up with the best of teams. This time was no exception. PBKS were flying high but their wings were about to be cut and the fall would be pretty low. It all began with a six-wicket loss vs RR. Of course, it was too early for alarm bells to ring because an unbeaten streak cannot last forever. Then GT inflicted a tight four-wicket loss. Even after consecutive losses, PBKS’s strategy of early success ensured they were still topping the table. But the worst was yet to come. Five Straight Losses SRH crushed them by 33 runs, DC won a thriller by three wickets and then MI defeated them by six wickets. Suddenly there were five losses on the trot and the tension was visible after the MI game when Ricky Ponting and Preity Zinta out in the middle. PBKS’ Rise and Fall From a position of strength, PBKS had sunk to the depths of despair. Now there is also a chance that they may not make it to the top four. They have to win their remaining games and hope other results go their way. Net run rate also comes in to play. PBKS’s next outing is vs RCB on May 17. Will PBKS Qualify for Playoffs? PBKS have never won the title and lost in the final twice. In 2014, they lost a thriller vs KKR and went down in a close game vs RCB in 2025. Now, they may not even make it to the next round to compete for a potential maiden title. Their fall from grace shows how unpredictable the game can be. Of course, PBKS could still make it. But it will be more tough than before.