Punjab Kings' Rollercoaster IPL Journey: From Winning Streak to Elimination

The Punjab Kings had a thrilling start to IPL 2026 with six consecutive wins, but their fortunes changed dramatically as they faced six losses in a row, leading to their elimination from the playoffs. The team's journey included a viral moment involving Shreyas Iyer's sister, Shresta, whose playful remarks drew both attention and trolling. In response, she clarified her intentions and condemned the harassment faced by her family. As the league progresses, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to face PBKS in Qualifier 1, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 11:12 IST

Punjab Kings' IPL 2026 Journey

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) kicked off their IPL 2026 campaign with an impressive six-match winning streak. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as they faced six consecutive losses, ultimately preventing them from reaching the playoffs. Despite their strong start, PBKS needed the Mumbai Indians (MI) to secure a victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to keep their hopes alive, but that did not materialize, leading to their exit from the tournament.

During their winning phase, a clip featuring Shreyas Iyer's sister, Shresta, gained significant attention for her humorous remark, "ditta ek point," after a match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was abandoned, resulting in PBKS receiving a point. As the team struggled with losses, social media users began to mock Shresta.

In response to the trolling, Shresta released a two-part video explaining the context of her earlier post and addressing the negative comments directed at her and her family. She emphasized that her intention was merely playful banter and that she holds respect for all cricketers, especially since her brother is one.

Shresta expressed her dismay over the harassment faced by her family and colleagues, urging those who dislike her to refrain from targeting her loved ones. She affirmed her unwavering support for her brother, regardless of the match outcomes.

Upcoming Qualifier Match

In other news, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished the league stage at the top of the table and are set to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on May 26.