![Ricky Ponting in the PBKS dugout [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779079387779_RickyPontinginthePBKSdugout.jpg?type=hq)
Ricky Ponting in the PBKS dugout [Source: X]
The Punjab Kings hung on to the fourth spot on the IPL 2026 points table after a shameful defeat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 17. The iconic HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala witnessed the hosts crumble in front of RCB's grit as the team won by 23 runs while defending a target of 223.
While this was a heartbreaking loss for Punjab, it is more of a heartbreak for the head coach, Ricky Ponting. The Australian maestro, who has been at the helm of Punjab since September 2024 and signed a four-year contract to lead the franchise, has been witnessing heartbreaks since the IPL 2025 final.
Although the Ricky Ponting-coached team wished to turn the fortune against RCB at their home, a poor batting performance dashed their dream.
The PBKS Heartbreak At Dharamsala In Front Of A Gritty RCB
Coming into bat first, RCB posted a total of 222 on the back of a solid outing from Virat Kohli, who packed a 37-ball 58 before getting dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal. Devdutt Padikkal also had a solid run, with a strike rate of 180, scoring a 25-ball 45.
An impactful knock was made by Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 73 runs and stayed unbeaten on the crease to make sure that RCB breached the 200-run mark on a batting heaven like Dharamshala.
The Punjab Kings bowlers were taken apart by the RCB batters, with only Harpreet Brar managing to take two wickets and Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh taking one each.
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PBKS Batting Crumbles Under Pressure
As for Punjab's batting, the openers were bundled out inside three overs, with three wickets lost inside the powerplay. By the end of 11 overs, Punjab Kings were struggling at 93 for 5, with only resistance coming from Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis.
Nevertheless, the failure of the top order handed Punjab Kings a massive defeat, as they now look towards elimination if they lose their last group-stage fixture.
Ricky Ponting’s Downfall After Massive Accolades
Ponting has been one of the most successful cricketers and international captains in history. With over 71 international centuries, he secured multiple franchise titles as a head coach too in global T20 leagues.
Being a coach in Major League Cricket, Ricky Ponting led Washington Freedom to the MLC championship title in their very first season in 2024.
He also led Australia to two consecutive ICC Cricket World Cup titles and remains one of the most successful captains in international cricket history, boasting 220 wins from 324 matches with a massive win rate of 67.91%.
However, these elite milestones are now only decorative as, under his guidance, the Punjab Kings are faltering massively.
Ponting Silently Cries Alone In The Dugout
Ponting was disappointed with his team's performance on the afternoon of the RCB vs PBKS clash. In a video recently going viral on the internet, the clip showed the camera panning to Ricky Ponting after the defeat, showing him totally heartbroken and at a loss for words.
Watch the video below:
His hopelessness was evident as he sat quietly alone in the dugout. The poor performance of Punjab has certainly thrashed him, since a team which started off strong ended up in such a vulnerable place.
PBKS In A Do-Or-Die
As the Punjab Kings lost their sixth consecutive match in a row, they now need at least a win against the Lucknow Super Giants to make it to the playoffs.
With the equation as it stands now, Punjab would definitely have to win the last group-stage match on May 23 to ensure they move towards the top-four spot and secure qualification for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
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