Punjab Kings have lost 5 consecutive matches. In the 58th match of IPL 2026 played on Thursday, Mumbai Indians defeated Punjab by 6 wickets. This match was full of thrill till the last moments, sometimes Mumbai and sometimes Punjab were dominating. After this defeat, it has become difficult for PBKS to qualify for the playoffs. Know how Shreyas Iyer and team can now go to the playoffs.

In the first 7 matches of IPL 2026, Punjab Kings had won 6 and 1 match was cancelled. In that situation, it was felt that Punjab would not only qualify for the playoffs but would also remain in the top-2. But after losing 5 consecutive matches, it has become difficult for the team to even qualify.

Punjab Kings remain in top-4

Punjab Kings have won 6 out of 12 matches, lost 5 and one match with Kolkata was cancelled. With 13 points and a net run rate of +0.355, PBKS remains at the fourth position in the points table. But now it has become difficult to remain in the top-4.

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Now there is no scope for mistake

Punjab Kings now have 2 matches left. The next match is on Sunday (17 May) with Royal Challengers Bangalore and the last match is against Kolkata Knight Riders on 24 May. Now the first thing Punjab needs is to win both its matches.

CSK and RR in good condition

Punjab Kings team will now be able to reach 17 points by winning both their matches, whereas Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are in a better position than them. CSK and RR have played 11-11 matches, winning 6-6 matches. That means both the teams have a chance to reach 18 points each.

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These teams are 1 win away from qualifying

Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans are in the best position at the moment. Both have won 8-8 in 12-12 matches and have reached 16-16 points. Now with a win, both these teams will confirm their ticket to the playoffs.

SRH also ahead of Punjab

The problems of Punjab Kings are even bigger because Sunrisers Hyderabad also has a chance to reach 18 points, whereas PBKS will be able to reach only 17 points even after winning both the matches. In such a situation, Punjab has to depend on the results of other teams also.