Shreyas Iyer Openly Throws This Set Of Punjab Kings Players Under The Bus As Playoff Becomes Tough

Punjab Kings [Source: AP]

Punjab Kings stumbled to yet another defeat this IPL 2026 season, this time losing to Delhi Capitals in match number 55 of the tournament in Dharamsala. The outcome marked Punjab Kings’ fourth defeat in succession, after having started out the season with six wins from seven unbeaten games.

What started out as a historic beginning to the season, the franchise is now gasping for points as their path towards playoff qualification has become infinitely tougher. Following Punjab Kings’ latest defeat, team captain Shreyas Iyer directly blamed his teammates for their below-par outings off late.

Shreyas Iyer blames bowlers and fielders for big defeat

While Punjab Kings hold one of the most formidable batting line-ups this IPL 2026 season, the franchise has been let down by its lackluster fielding and wayward bowling off late. Moreover, their bowlers have now failed to defend totals in excess of 200 twice in succession over the past two weeks.

Moreover, the franchise has conceded 200-plus totals on seven occasions this tournament in just 10 completed fixtures.

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Even fielding has proven to be a primary area of concern for the Kings, considering players like Shashank Singh, Cooper Connolly, Lockie Ferguson and Arshdeep Singh have dropped some costly sitters at various stages this year.

Speaking after the match, captain Shreyas Iyer said “I won’t beat around the bush, I’ll just say fielding and bowling again.”

PBKS dig its own grave with losing streak

Not long ago, the Punjab Kings franchise held the top spot on the IPL 2026 points table. Since then, they have slipped to number fourth position on the 10-team standings following their four-match losing streak.

While the team can still fancy its chances of qualifying for the playoffs, their prevailing losing streak might come with its own baggage and a change in player’s mindset.

As of now, Shreyas Iyer and co. need to win at least two of its three remaining matches to confirm a spot in the top four. A win might also do the trick, depending on the NRR of other teams.

Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals: As it happened

Punjab Kings batted first and charted a monumental 210-5 in 20 overs. Opener Priyansh Arya clubbed 56 runs off 33 balls with two fours and six sixes, and captain Shreyas Iyer launched five boundaries and three sixes in his top-scoring act of 36-ball 59*.

Cooper Connolly also minted a swift 38, and Suryansh Shedge blasted 21* off just eight balls at the death.

In response, Punjab Kings bowlers Arshdeep Singh (2-21) and Yash Thakur started off well by keeping the Delhi Capitals down to 33-3 inside the powerplay. 

However, fighting knocks from captain Axar Patel (56 off 30) and David Miller (51 off 28) and finishing acts from Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari sealed the deal in Capitals favour.

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