Mumbai: Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has analysed the dramatic downfall of the Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, stating that the franchise lost focus on its process and became too attached to results during the latter half of the tournament.
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, enjoyed a sensational start to their campaign. The team accumulated 13 points while remaining unbeaten across seven matches and appeared to be one of the strongest contenders for a playoff berth.
However, their season took a dramatic turn as they suffered six consecutive defeats in their next six matches. Although Punjab managed to win their final league game, the late recovery was not enough to secure a place in the playoffs.
Tendulkar highlights shift in mindset
Sharing his assessment, Tendulkar said Punjab Kings displayed positive and fearless cricket during the first half of the tournament but gradually drifted away from the approach that had brought them success.
“Punjab Kings brought wonderful energy to the tournament. Their cricket was positive, brave and often game-changing. Momentum plays a crucial role in lengthy tournaments. Eventually, in such a fast-moving tournament, it boils down to process and not getting attached to results. Punjab focused more on process in the first half and more on results in the second,” Tendulkar wrote.
According to the batting great, maintaining focus on execution rather than outcomes is crucial in a long tournament such as the IPL, where momentum can quickly shift.
Gujarat Titans praised for consistency
Tendulkar also lauded the performances of the Gujarat Titans, who finished among the top teams in IPL 2026.
He noted that Gujarat’s biggest strength was their ability to remain consistent regardless of short-term results.
“What stands out about the Gujarat Titans is their ability to operate within a remarkably consistent performance band across an entire season. The IPL is inherently volatile, but GT rarely stray too far from their method, even when results fluctuate,” Tendulkar observed.
He added that controlling uncertainty and sticking to a clear game plan often proves more valuable over a long season than occasional moments of brilliance.
IPL 2026 showcased importance of adaptability
Reflecting on the season as a whole, Tendulkar pointed out that IPL campaigns are rarely defined by how teams begin the tournament.
He emphasised that several teams transformed their fortunes during the season by making tactical adjustments and improving performances as the competition progressed.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerged as champions for the second consecutive season under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. Gujarat Titans finished among the leading teams, while the Rajasthan Royals impressed with the performances of young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Sunrisers Hyderabad also enjoyed a strong campaign.
For Punjab Kings, however, a promising season ultimately ended in disappointment, with Tendulkar attributing the collapse to a shift away from the process-driven approach that had powered their early success.