Punjab Kings Exit IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer Reflects on Season
Punjab Kings' Disappointing IPL 2026 Campaign
Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced an early exit from the IPL 2026, finishing fifth in the standings. As the runners-up from IPL 2025, they were expected to secure a top-two finish. The team had a strong start, winning six of their first seven matches, with one game being abandoned due to rain. However, their performance took a downturn in the latter half of the season, resulting in six consecutive losses. They managed to secure their seventh victory against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final league match, but their fate was not in their own hands.
On the last day of the league stage, PBKS required assistance from the Rajasthan Royals (RR), who ultimately defeated the Mumbai Indians (MI) to advance to the finals.
Just two days after PBKS's exit from the tournament, Shreyas Iyer took to social media to express his thoughts. He posted, "Every run. Every moment. Every fight. This chapter closes with gratitude and the next one begins with hunger," reflecting on the season's challenges.
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Throughout the season, PBKS faced defeats against several teams, including RR, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Future of Shreyas Iyer with PBKS
Will Shreyas Iyer Remain at the Helm of PBKS?
There is no uncertainty regarding Iyer's position with PBKS; he is set to continue as their captain. The franchise made a significant investment in him, acquiring him for Rs 26.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Under his leadership, PBKS reached the IPL 2025 finals, marking their first advancement past the league stage in a decade. In IPL 2026, they remained competitive until the second-to-last match of the league phase.
RR, who ended the playoff hopes for both PBKS and Kolkata Knight Riders, will compete against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the eliminator on Wednesday (May 27). SRH finds themselves in a must-win scenario, needing to secure victories in all remaining matches to qualify for the finals. Notably, in 2014, David Warner's SRH clinched the title despite finishing third in the standings.