Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign is hanging by a thread after a sixth consecutive defeat left the franchise staring at possible elimination from the playoff race, with the team’s latest collapse against Royal Challengers Bengaluru also producing one of the tournament’s most discussed images. Ricky Ponting was seen sitting alone in the dugout following the defeat in Dharamshala, a moment that quickly went viral across social media as pressure continues to mount on Punjab’s season.
Reacting on his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Former India Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said, “I saw a powerful picture on TV after the match today (Sunday). Ricky Ponting was leaning forward in the dugout, all alone. He must have a lot going on inside his head. They were in the prime position to run away and take the top two spot in this tournament. I think they must be asking themselves where they went wrong. I sat on the same chair in 2018.”
Punjab had earlier positioned themselves strongly in the playoff race before their form collapsed during the second half of the season. The defeat against RCB in Dharamshala marked the franchise’s sixth straight loss, leaving the side dependent on other results even if they win their final league match against Lucknow Super Giants.
Ashwin questions impact of split home venues
Ashwin suggested Punjab’s decision to divide home fixtures between Mullanpur and Dharamshala played a major role in the team losing momentum during a critical phase of the tournament.
He said, “These are young players, and even foreign players are struggling. There’s a big difference between Mullanpur and Dharamshala when it comes to pace and bounce. The soil is the same but the altitude is different. This is also an away game for Punjab. If they had won even one of these home games, they would’ve been smiling right now.”
Punjab lost three consecutive matches in Dharamshala after building consistency earlier in the season at Mullanpur, where the team had looked significantly more settled. Ashwin argued that successful IPL teams rarely shift between contrasting home conditions during the middle of a campaign.
“I am not defending them, but I said in the last episode as well, the three or four champion teams don’t play at different home venues. You were winning in Mullanpur continuously, then you went to Dharamshala and you lost three consecutive home games,” he added.
Familiarity with conditions became a major factor
Punjab’s strongest performances this season came at Mullanpur, including their successful defence of 220 against Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier in the campaign. Ashwin pointed to that result as evidence of how familiarity with local conditions can influence outcomes during the IPL season.
He said, “They defended 220 in Mullanpur against SRH because they know the wicket that well. They practised at the venue even before the IPL started. Making pitches is one thing, but getting yourself accustomed to the conditions is different. It’s quite disappointing. I feel sad for Punjab. You shouldn’t leave your home ground.”
The former Punjab Kings captain also indicated that commercial considerations may have contributed to the franchise’s venue strategy, though he questioned whether the move ultimately damaged the team’s qualification chances.
Punjab now face must-win finish to league stage
Punjab head into their final league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants needing victory to remain in contention for a playoff place. Even a win, however, may not guarantee qualification depending on results elsewhere in the table.
Ashwin said, “If it makes business sense, let it only make business sense, but if you want to win and qualify, you can’t afford to make these mistakes. Ricky Ponting will be distraught, Shreyas lyer will be too, but it is incredibly hard,”
The viral image of Ponting alone in the dugout was earlier described by Ashwin as “powerful” while reflecting on Punjab’s dramatic collapse after once appearing on course for a top-two finish.
Punjab Kings currently sit fourth in the IPL 2026 standings after playing 13 matches, leaving their playoff hopes vulnerable to results elsewhere. Rajasthan Royals, who have played one game fewer, remain firmly in contention and face Lucknow Super Giants before concluding their league campaign against Mumbai Indians. Punjab’s final league fixture also comes against Lucknow on Saturday, with Shreyas Iyer’s side requiring both a victory and favourable results elsewhere to stay alive in the qualification race.
