Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis during IPL 2026 for Punjab Kings (Source: AFP Photos)
Led by Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings got off to a flyer in IPL 2026, winning six out of the first seven matches, with one being washed out. However, they failed to carry on the momentum, losing six matches on the trot, which led to their exit even before IPL playoffs, let alone win the prestigious title, something they have been aiming to achieve for the past 19 years.
While there were many factors in Punjab Kings’ shocking dip in form after the first half of IPL 2026, one thing which could not have been ignored was the fact that they failed to utilise Marcus Stoinis, the bowler. Stoinis, despite being fondly called ‘The Hulk’ for his use of big muscles and power for sixes, has been equally influential with the ball in hand.
Marcus Stoinis Still Has Fire With The Ball
In other words, Stoinis is a genuine wicket-taking all-rounder, rather than just a finisher. Even at the age of 36, he has been going strong while rolling his arms, and his recent stats across multiple T20 franchise leagues speak volumes.
Criterion
BBL 25/26
MLC 2026
The Hundred Men 2026
Innings
11
8
3
Wickets
15
16
6
Economy Rate
7.44
7.6
6.76
Strike Rate
12
10
9
[Marcus Stoinis Stats, As Of July 31, 2026]
On Thursday, during the Hundred Men 2026, Stoinis was in action for Southern Brave in Match 13 of the competition in Southampton. He gave away just 16 runs off his 20 balls while picking up two top-order wickets in Joe Clarke and Laurie Evans, playing an integral part in his side's 12-run victory.
Later on, he was adjudged the Player of the Match as well. And from there, the debate around Stoinis’ ability to still deliver with the ball re-emerged.
Punjab Kings Bowlers Falter Big Time In IPL 2026
Coupled with being infamous for dropping catches for fun during IPL 2026, the star-studded Punjab Kings seemed majorly wayward with their line and length throughout the competition. Individually and collectively, they stumbled like no other, as the data suggest.
IPL 2026
Arshdeep Singh
Yuzvendra Chahal
Marco Jansen
Xavier Bartlett
Innings
14
12
12
9
Wickets
14
12
9
5
Economy Rate
10.21
9.39
10.2
11.58
Strike Rate
22
20
31
40
[Punjab Kings Best Bowlers' Stats In IPL 2026]
To highlight more about their bowling, Punjab Kings took the fewest wickets in IPL 2026 among all ten teams. To make matters worse, their economy rate was the most expensive among all teams. And to further add to their misery, they had the worst strike rate as well.
Team
Innings
Wickets
Economy Rate
Strike Rate
Gujarat Titans
17
123
9.55
15.65
Rajasthan Royals
16
105
10.1
17.33
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
16
105
9.51
17.62
Sunrisers Hyderabad
15
95
10.14
18.17
Punjab Kings
14
67
10.48
23.43
Mumbai Indians
14
75
10.25
20.57
Lucknow Super Giants
14
71
9.87
22.41
Delhi Capitals
14
69
10.14
22.13
Chennai Super Kings
14
82
9.58
19.2
Kolkata Knight Riders
13
86
9.31
18.02
[IPL 2026 Stats]
Yes, Stoinis bowled in four matches for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2026 and took two wickets, of Axar Patel and Nishant Sindhu. However, Shreyas Iyer did not trust him for a longer run, despite his consistency with the ball before coming to IPL 2026.
Even for Australia, who had a miserable T20 World Cup 2026 as a team, Stoinis claimed four wickets in three matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.94 while striking at 13.
Conclusion
Even though Ricky Ponting, who is in charge of the Punjab Kings, takes equal accountability as Shreyas Iyer for the team’s IPL 2026 outcome, it was Shreyas who decided whom to use when and how while setting the fielding or bringing in a new bowler.
Therefore, it would be safe to say that Shreyas Iyer, who is known for being one of the sharpest minds at present, missed the trick on trusting Marcus Stoinis 'the bowler' in IPL 2026. Who knows that could reap him rewards, especially after the shows he has been putting in every now and then.
Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis during IPL 2026 for Punjab Kings (Source: AFP Photos).jpg?type=mq "Alzarri Joseph Fires Back At Coach Daren Sammy")
