Punjab Kings On Brink Of Exit As Sunil Gavaskar Criticises Shreyas Iyer After Fifth Straight Defeat

Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign is hanging by a thread after suffering a fifth consecutive defeat, this time against Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala. Despite posting more than 200 runs, PBKS failed to defend the target, leaving their playoff hopes in serious danger.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar openly questioned Punjab’s tactics, bowling decisions, and captain Shreyas Iyer’s impact after the heartbreaking loss.

What happened

• Punjab Kings lost their fifth straight IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians.
• PBKS scored over 200 runs, including 53 runs in the final three overs of their innings.
• Mumbai Indians successfully chased the target after smashing 53 runs in the last three overs of the chase.
• Punjab now need to win both remaining matches to stay alive in the playoff race.

Why Gavaskar criticised PBKS

Sunil Gavaskar said Punjab should never have lost after posting such a strong total.

He pointed to:

• Shreyas Iyer failing with the bat
• Poor bowling execution in death overs
• The decision not to give the new ball to Bartlett despite favourable conditions

Gavaskar said Punjab could have scored 20–30 more runs had Iyer stayed longer at the crease.

Key turning points

• Tilak Varma played a major role in Mumbai’s successful chase.
• Former India batter Sanjay Bangar criticised Punjab for using only five bowlers.
• Bangar said PBKS lost control despite strong spells from Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh.
• Azmatullah Omarzai was praised for his all-round performance.

Why it matters

• Punjab Kings are now one defeat away from elimination.
• Their playoff qualification chances depend not only on winning remaining matches but also on other results going in their favour.
• The loss exposed serious concerns in PBKS’ bowling strategy and game management under pressure.

Who is affected

• Punjab Kings fans hoping for a playoff finish
• Shreyas Iyer and PBKS leadership group
• Rival teams fighting for the IPL 2026 top four
• Mumbai Indians, who gained momentum from the big chase

What to watch next

Punjab Kings must quickly fix their death bowling issues and regain momentum before their next match. Another defeat could officially end their IPL 2026 playoff hopes.