Chandigarh: Punjab Kings endured one of the most dramatic collapses in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they failed to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs despite spending 22 days at the top of the points table. The Shreyas Iyer-led side began their campaign in dominant fashion, raising hopes of a long-awaited playoff berth, but a sharp dip in form during the second half of the season ultimately cost them a place in the knockout stage.
Punjab Kings looked unstoppable early in the tournament, winning six consecutive matches and establishing themselves as the team to beat. Their aggressive batting approach, coupled with effective bowling performances, ensured they remained firmly at the summit of the table for over three weeks — the longest by any team this season.
However, the momentum did not last.
Dramatic mid-season collapse derails campaign
After their dream start, Punjab Kings suffered a shocking turnaround in fortunes. The franchise went on to lose their next six matches consecutively, undoing all the hard work from the first half of the season. One of their matches was also abandoned due to rain, which further complicated their path to qualification.
The sudden string of losses exposed inconsistencies in both batting and bowling departments. Despite individual brilliance in patches, the team struggled to click collectively during crucial moments. Close matches slipped away, and their inability to finish games became a recurring concern.
Even though Punjab Kings managed to win their final league match against Lucknow Super Giants, the victory was not enough to secure a playoff berth. They finished fifth in the standings with 15 points from 14 matches, narrowly missing out on qualification.
Other teams dominate table standings
While Punjab Kings dominated the points table for 22 days, other teams also enjoyed brief spells at the top. Royal Challengers Bengaluru held the top spot for 18 days, followed by Rajasthan Royals for 13 days and Sunrisers Hyderabad for four days. Gujarat Titans, interestingly, were at the top for just one day but went on to finish second in the standings.
This highlights the unpredictable nature of IPL 2026, where consistency in the latter stages proved more valuable than an early lead.
RCB and Gujarat Titans gear up for Qualifier 1
As Punjab Kings exited the tournament, attention shifted to the playoffs, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) emerged as the top two teams. Both sides finished the league stage with 18 points from 14 matches, but RCB secured the top position due to a superior net run rate.
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, have been one of the most balanced teams this season. Known for their aggressive batting, the team consistently posted totals exceeding 200 runs. The experience of Virat Kohli at the top of the order played a crucial role, while the bowling attack, featuring Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, delivered under pressure.
Their ability to perform consistently, especially in away matches, has been a key factor in their success. RCB also hold an advantage heading into Qualifier 1, having recently won a match in Dharamsala — the venue for the crucial encounter.
Gujarat Titans rely on bowling strength
Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have relied heavily on their disciplined bowling attack and a steady top order. Captain Shubman Gill has led from the front, supported by Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler, who have provided both stability and attacking intent.
GT’s bowling unit has been particularly impressive in the latter half of the season. The pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna has consistently delivered early breakthroughs, while spinners Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore have controlled the middle overs effectively.
The Titans enter the playoffs with strong momentum after registering a commanding 89-run victory over Chennai Super Kings in their final league match.
Conclusion
Punjab Kings’ campaign serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in a tournament as competitive as the IPL. Despite dominating the early phase, their inability to maintain consistency proved costly. Meanwhile, teams like RCB and Gujarat Titans have demonstrated the importance of sustained performance, setting up an exciting playoff stage in IPL 2026.